Antonyms for startle

Grammar : Verb

Spell : stahr-tl

Phonetic Transcription : ˈstɑr tl

Definition of startle

Origin : c.1300, "run to and fro," frequentative of sterten (see start (v.)). Sense of "move suddenly in surprise or fear" first recorded 1520s. Transitive meaning "frighten suddenly" is from 1590s. The word retains more of the original meaning of start (v.). Related: Startled; startling.

verb frighten, surprise

Example sentences :

I expect to learn something that will startle the Director of Police.
Extract from : « Jennie Baxter, Journalist » by Robert Barr

The desire had been strong enough to startle him, to warn him.
Extract from : « A Spirit in Prison » by Robert Hichens

If the old man made no will, I'll maybe have summat to say as may startle them a gay bit.
Extract from : « The Shadow of a Crime » by Hall Caine

It did not startle him; indeed, he was in a mood when nothing could have caused him wonder.
Extract from : « Tales From Two Hemispheres » by Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen

On a question so vast and vital you are bound to startle by any little measure.
Extract from : « Another Sheaf » by John Galsworthy

Oh, my dear,” exclaimed Mrs. Malling, “how you did startle me.
Extract from : « The Hound From The North » by Ridgwell Cullum

The swiftness of the movement was aggressive enough to startle.
Extract from : « Under Western Eyes » by Joseph Conrad

I say I caught myself, but enough had escaped to startle the man.
Extract from : « The Secret Sharer » by Joseph Conrad

I saw you right enough, but I had no intention to startle anybody.
Extract from : « The Rescue » by Joseph Conrad

But really nothing in the world could astonish or startle old Jorgenson.
Extract from : « The Rescue » by Joseph Conrad

Synonyms for startle

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019