[star.tle] vb star.tled ; star.tling [ME stertlen, freq. of sterten to start] vi (1530): to move or jump suddenly (as in surprise or alarm) "the baby ~s easily" ~ vt: to frighten or surprise suddenly and usu. not seriously -- star.tle.ment n
[2]startle n (1714): a sudden mild shock (as of surprise or alarm)