To excite by sudden alarm, surprise, or apprehension; to frighten suddenly and not seriously; to alarm; to surprise
move or jump suddenly, as if in surprise or alarm; "She startled when I walked into the room"
If something sudden and unexpected startles you, it surprises and frightens you slightly. The telephone startled him The news will startle the City. + startled star·tled Martha gave her a startled look. to make someone suddenly surprised or slightly shocked