From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishstartlestart‧le /ˈstɑːtl $ ˈstɑːrtl/ ●○○ verb [transitive] FRIGHTENEDto make someone suddenly surprised or slightly shocked Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.be startled to do something I was startled to see Amanda. —startled adjective a startled expression→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
startle• The noise startled him, and he dropped his glass on the floor.• That startled him and she fell out of bed to get out of his way.• You startled me! I didn't hear you come in.• The peacocks are startled out of the shade into the sunlight.• He was startled out of this sombre reflection by the sudden awareness that something was Not Quite Right.• She startled people on arrival in Washington in 1932 by calling a news conference before her husband.• Any unexpected movements can startle the animal, so it must be approached slowly and steadily.• I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you.be startled to do something• I am startled to find myself addressing you instead.• The crowd began to disperse and I was startled to realize it was over.• As he came within sight of his office, he was startled to see a small group waiting at the door.• One inspector was startled to see a woman's face peering back at him from a glove compartment box.• Dana would be startled to see her, and a scene was the last thing either of them needed.• Claudel stooped, too, and was startled to see her brush a powder compact sideways, sending it under the cab.• They were startled to see him.• She had never expected to be beautiful, and she was startled to see how nearly she approached a kind of beauty.Origin startle Old English steartlian “to kick your legs about” 