[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/startle/)

[dictionaries](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [English](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/) / [S](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/s/) / startle

# startle

verb (startle, startles, startled, startling)

«startle» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. To startle someone is to surprise or frighten them suddenly, so that they jump or move quickly. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/startle/#m1)
2. To be startled is to get a sudden small fright. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/startle/#m2)
3. Something startling is so surprising that it makes you jump. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/startle/#m3)

### In the lessons

In stories, a loud noise startles a character or animal; deer startle and run. In safety and animal care, do not startle dogs, horses or babies, because a startled animal may bite or kick. Phrases: «startled by», «a startled look».

### Examples

- The loud bang startled the baby. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/startle/#x1)
- Don't startle the horse by running behind it. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/startle/#x2)
- The deer was startled and ran into the trees. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/startle/#x3)
- I was startled when my phone rang in the quiet library. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/startle/#x4)
- He gave me a startled look. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/startle/#x5)
- A sudden shout can startle a sleeping dog. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/startle/#x6)
- The cat startled when the door slammed. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/startle/#x7)
- But indeed there was something else, something very astonishing and startling. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/startle/#x8)

### Note

Regular verb: drop the e: «startled», «startling». «Startling» as an adjective means very surprising («startling news»). Startle is a sudden small fright, weaker than «terrify». Approach animals calmly so you do not startle them.

## In Jewish tradition

In Isaiah it means to make nations stand amazed and silent when they see God's servant lifted up.

**Interpretation.** Tradition reads the servant as Israel or its righteous one, whom the nations will one day see honoured and stand speechless at.

### Examples

- So shall he startle many nations, kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which had not been told them shall they see, and that which they had not heard shall they perceive. (Prophets ISA.52.15, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/startle/#x1)

### Note

Regular verb: drop the e: «startled», «startling». «Startling» as an adjective means very surprising («startling news»). Startle is a sudden small fright, weaker than «terrify». Approach animals calmly so you do not startle them.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «startle» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/startle/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«startle» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/startle.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «startle» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/startle/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«startle» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/startle.html) on Mova free.