star·tle 
/ˈstɑɚtl̟/ verb
star·tles; star·tled; star·tling /ˈstɑɚtl̟/ verb 1 [+ obj] : to surprise or frighten (someone) suddenly and usually not seriously
▪ The noise startled me. ▪ I'm sorry that I startled you. — often used as (be) startled ▪ I was startled by the noise. ▪ He was startled to discover he knew the answer. ▪ She was startled into wakefulness by a loud noise. 2 [no obj] : to move or jump suddenly because something surprises you or frightens you
▪ The cat startles easily.
▪ The noise startled me. ▪ I'm sorry that I startled you. — often used as (be) startled ▪ I was startled by the noise. ▪ He was startled to discover he knew the answer. ▪ She was startled into wakefulness by a loud noise.
▪ The cat startles easily.
