Langimage
English

startled

|star/tled|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈstɑrtəld/

🇬🇧

/ˈstɑːtld/

(startle)

sudden surprise

Base Form3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounNounAdjective
startlestartlesstartledstartledstartlingstartlerstartlementstartling
Etymology
Etymology Information

'startle' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'startlen,' where 'start' meant 'to leap or jump.'

Historical Evolution

'startlen' transformed into the modern English word 'startle' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to leap or jump suddenly,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to surprise or alarm suddenly.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

past tense or past participle form of 'startle'.

The loud bang startled the cat.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 1

suddenly surprised or alarmed.

She was startled by the sudden noise.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/31 18:36