startles 1 of 2

verb

Definition of startlesnext
present tense third-person singular of startle
1
as in amazes
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected the lightning startled the children and sent them scurrying for cover

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2
as in jumps
to move suddenly and sharply (as in surprise) the cat startled when the door slammed shut with a bang

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3
as in frightens
to strike with fear loud noises always startle her

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startles

2 of 2

noun

plural of startle
as in shocks

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Thesaurus Entries Near startles

startlements

startles

startling

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Cite this Entry

“Startles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startles. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on startles

Nglish: Translation of startles for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of startles for Arabic Speakers

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