'Startle' definitions:

Definition of 'startle'

noun

A sudden involuntary movement; "he awoke with a start" [syn: startle, jump, start]

verb

To stimulate to action ; "..startled him awake"; "galvanized into action" [syn: startle, galvanize, galvanise]

verb

Move or jump suddenly, as if in surprise or alarm; "She startled when I walked into the room" [syn: startle, jump, start]

From: GCIDE

Startle \Star"tle\, n. A sudden motion or shock caused by an unexpected alarm, surprise, or apprehension of danger. [1913 Webster]
After having recovered from my first startle, I was very well pleased with the accident. --Spectator. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Startle \Star"tle\ (st[aum]r"t'l), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Startled (st[aum]r"t'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Startling (st[aum]r"tl[i^]ng).] [Freq. of start.] To move suddenly, or be excited, on feeling alarm; to start. [1913 Webster]
Why shrinks the soul Back on herself, and startles at destruction? --Addison. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Startle \Star"tle\ (st[aum]r"t'l), v. t.
1. To excite by sudden alarm, surprise, or apprehension; to frighten suddenly and not seriously; to alarm; to surprise. [1913 Webster]
The supposition, at least, that angels do sometimes assume bodies need not startle us. --Locke. [1913 Webster]
2. To deter; to cause to deviate. [R.] --Clarendon. [1913 Webster]
Syn: To start; shock; fright; frighten; alarm. [1913 Webster]