" startle "

1: as in surprise, astonishment;

•  Synonyms : 

•  amazement,

•  astonishment,

•  shock,

•  startlement,

•  stupefaction,

•  surprise,

•  bewilderment,

•  confusion,

•  consternation,

•  discomfiture,

•  dismay,

•  awe,

•  wonder,

•  wonderment

•  Antonyms : 

• (N/A)

1: to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected;

  * e.g., " ... the lightning startled the children and sent them scurrying for cover "

•  Synonyms : 

•  amaze,

•  astonish,

•  astound,

•  bowl over,

•  dumbfound,

•  flabbergast,

•  floor,

•  rock,

•  shock,

•  stun,

•  stupefy,

•  surprise,

•  thunderstrike

•  Antonyms : 

•  reassure

2: to move suddenly and sharply (as in surprise);

  * e.g., " ... the cat startled when the door slammed shut with a bang "

•  Synonyms : 

•  bolt,

•  jump,

•  start

•  Antonyms : 

• (N/A)

3: to strike with fear;

  * e.g., " ... loud noises always startle her "

•  Synonyms : 

•  affright,

•  alarm,

•  fright,

•  frighten,

•  horrify,

•  panic,

•  scare,

•  scarify,

•  shock,

•  spook,

•  terrify,

•  terrorize

•  Antonyms : 

• (N/A)