Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To move suddenly, or be excited, on feeling alarm; to start. 2. (v. t.) To excite by sudden alarm, surprise, or apprehension; to frighten suddenly and not seriously; to alarm; to surprise. 3. (v. t.) To deter; to cause to deviate. 4. (n.) A sudden motion or shock caused by an unexpected alarm, surprise, or apprehension of danger.

Multi-Version Concordance Startle (2 Occurrences) Job 18:11 Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall chase him at his heels. (See NIV) Isaiah 52:15 so shall he sprinkle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they understand. (See JPS RSV)