startle

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'startle' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a sudden shock or surprise felt by someone or something. Example Sentence: The sudden loud noise startled the sleeping baby.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(When non-disabled actors play disabled people, they love to squirm, startle and speak as if they were drunk).

The Guardian - Opinion

He invented diction in order to startle the audience into some sort of awareness – lines like, 'I'm going out for an eight-cylinder sandwich.'" With only a little provocation, he ran critically through the galaxy of twentieth century playwrights, beginning with Eugene O'Neill.

The Guardian

When non-disabled actors play disabled people, they love to squirm, startle and speak as if they were drunk In Fraser's fantasy disabled family, we eat alone as we have no friends.

The Guardian - Opinion

So the entire policymaking apparatus of the European political-economic world at the moment is focused on how not to startle the wisents.This makes me nervous.

The Economist

The write-offs took place during the global financial crisis, when gloomy announcements were so common that they ceased to startle anyone.Corporate governance is a problem in Japan (see table).

The Economist

THE worst of the hazards travellers encounter in the mountainous rainforests of southern India is not the elephants, though they occasionally kill people; nor the creepy-crawlies, though the sudden appearance of a foot-long red-legged millipede can startle; nor the spiny-stemmed palms, though they shred unwary walkers' clothes.

The Economist

On the way I shall startle deer in the forest, and as I park I shall hear an owl at my neighbour's and hear the sheep on the hill opposite the house.

The Economist

Firms have little incentive to train the young temps whom they will soon lay off, and that has contributed to Spain's dismal record of productivity growth.The trouble engulfing Greece ought to startle Spain's policymakers out of a dangerous complacency.

The Economist

His account of how death threats and intimidation by Islamists had become a part of political life in Scandinavia long before the recent cartoon crisis will startle many readers.

The Economist

Any modern commission there is bound to startle if only because, within the city's core, almost every stone is listed and new buildings of any sort are so rare.

The Economist

But if some of his words disappoint, others startle.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional impact, consider alternatives like "shock" or "amaze" if the reaction is prolonged or significant.

Common error

Avoid using "startle" when you simply mean "surprise". "Startle" implies a sudden, often physical, reaction, while "surprise" is a broader term. For instance, say "I was surprised by the gift", not "I was startled by the gift", unless the gift literally made you jump.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "startle" is as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. It describes the action of causing someone or something to experience a sudden shock or surprise. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in this way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "startle" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb that describes the act of causing someone or something to experience a sudden shock or surprise. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media contexts but also appears in Encyclopedias and Science publications. While often associated with a negative experience, it can also describe a reaction to a positive surprise. When writing, remember that "startle" implies a more physical reaction than "surprise" and consider using synonyms like "frighten", "alarm", or "scare" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surprise greatly

Emphasizes the unexpectedness of the event and the strong feeling of astonishment.

give someone a fright

Indicates a brief but intense experience of fear.

shock someone

Highlights the element of surprise and the emotional impact of the unexpected event.

astonish suddenly

Highlights the abrupt nature and strong surprise caused by something.

give a jolt

Focuses on the sudden, physical reaction, a sharp, unexpected movement or feeling.

cause alarm

Focuses on the feeling of worry or concern that arises suddenly.

make someone flinch

Highlights a physical reaction indicating a defensive response to a perceived threat.

cause to jump

Emphasizes the physical reaction of leaping or twitching in response to something unexpected.

make someone uneasy

Highlights the feeling of discomfort or apprehension caused by something unexpected.

scare stiff

Suggests a more intense fear response, where someone is momentarily paralyzed by fright.

FAQs

How can I use "startle" in a sentence?

You can use "startle" to describe how someone or something reacts to a sudden, unexpected event. For example, "The loud bang "startled" the cat" or "She "startled" at the sudden noise".

What's the difference between "startle" and "surprise"?

"Startle" implies a sudden shock or alarm that causes a physical reaction, like jumping or gasping. "Surprise" is a broader term for feeling amazed or astonished, without necessarily involving a physical reaction. You might be "surprised" by a gift, but you'd be "startled" by a sudden loud noise.

What can I say instead of "startle"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "frighten", "alarm", "surprise", "scare", or "give a jolt".

Is "startle" always used in a negative context?

While "startle" often implies a negative experience due to the sudden shock, it's not always negative. You can be "startled" by a sudden surprise party, which is generally a positive experience, but the initial reaction is still one of surprise and slight shock.