Main Entry: 1star·tle
Pronunciation: \ˈstär-təl\
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): star·tled; star·tling \ˈstärt-liŋ, ˈstär-təl-iŋ\
Etymology: Middle English stertlen, frequentative of sterten to start
Date: 1530
intransitive verb : to move or jump suddenly (as in surprise or alarm) s easily> transitive verb : to frighten or surprise suddenly and usually not seriously
— star·tle·ment \-mənt\ noun
