I. verb (~d; startling) Etymology: Middle English stertlen, frequentative of sterten to start Date: 1530 intransitive verb to move or jump suddenly (as in surprise or alarm) , transitive verb to frighten or surprise suddenly and usually not seriously, ~ment noun II. noun Date: 1714 a sudden mild shock (as of surprise or alarm)
STARTLE
Meaning of STARTLE in English
Merriam Webster. Explanatory English dictionary Merriam Webster. Толковый словарь английского языка Мерриам-Уэбстер. 2012