startle
verb (used with object)
to disturb or agitate suddenly as by surprise or alarm.
have startled
-
present perfectof startle.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A presumption that there is an undercurrent of simmering rage in day-to-day life has taken hold in ways that might have startled past generations.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 23, 2026
These discoveries, which would have startled most neurologists and neuroscientists a few decades ago, highlight the importance of recognizing this hidden conscious state and developing ways to communicate with people who are in it.
From Scientific American ● Oct. 21, 2022
Six months ago, the noise might have startled Andriy, who had moved to Western Europe to pursue a career in engineering.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 29, 2022
So while seeing Suárez celebrate his win by waving a Mexican flag along pit road might have startled some traditional fans, for NASCAR’s leaders it was a step forward.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 23, 2022
I jumped up from the couch, which must have startled Joe, because he dropped the rabbit ear antenna he was fiddling with.
From "The First Rule of Punk" by Celia C. Pérez
