IELTS startle Definition To suddenly surprise or alarm someone. Example "The loud noise made me startle and drop my book." Sign in to save IELTS Quiz → ← stark starvation → Study tips featuring "startle" Audit Your Own Writing to Find Gaps Boost Your IELTS Writing With Precise Vocabulary Related words IELTS sincere GRE abide SAT abnormal TOEFL aboard TOEFL abolition TOEFL abort IELTS abortion SAT abrupt SAT absence TOEFL absent GRE absolute TOEFL absolutely