startle
Frequency
Pronounced as (IPA)
/ˈstɑːt(ə)l/
Etymology
In summary
From Middle English startlen, stertlen, stertyllen (“to rush, stumble along”), from Old English steartlian (“to kick with the foot, struggle, stumble”), equivalent to start + -le. Cognate with Old Norse stirtla (“to hobble, stagger”), Icelandic stirtla (“to straighten up, erect”). Compare also Middle English stertil (“hasty”). More at start.
catch unawares
be afraid
give a start
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