1. (

• startle ,
• jump ,
• start ,

) a sudden involuntary movement; "he awoke with a start" ;

1. (

• startle ,
• galvanize ,
• galvanise

) to stimulate to action; "the loud noise startled him awake"; "galvanized into action" ;

2. (

• startle ,
• jump ,
• start ,

) move or jump suddenly, as if in surprise or alarm; "She startled when I walked into the room" ;