star·tle (stär'tl)

v., -tled, -tling, -tles.

v.tr.

1. To cause to make a quick involuntary movement or start.
2. To alarm, frighten, or surprise suddenly. See synonyms at frighten.

v.intr.
To become alarmed, frightened, or surprised.

n.
A sudden mild shock; a start.

[Middle English stertlen, to run about, from Old English steartlian, to kick.]

startlingly star'tling·ly adv.
startlingness star'tling·ness n.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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