startle
verb (used with object)
to disturb or agitate suddenly as by surprise or alarm.
startles
-
present tense formof startle (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
More than 60 years on, the scene still startles.
From Salon ● Sep. 4, 2026
I am not sure what startles more—that the feat was achieved at all or that it was Mr. Koolhaas’s firm that pulled it off.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 20, 2026
The pop of a champagne bottle in the kitchen quickly startles the crowd.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2024
“They’re a bit of a nuisance, especially if one takes off from a bush next to people and startles them,” Knight said.
From Seattle Times ● May 3, 2024
Her eye darts to Veturius standing behind me, and she smiles, a blaze of white that startles me with its beauty.
From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir
