startle : Idioms & Phrases


startle reaction

  • noun a complicated involuntary reaction to a sudden unexpected stimulus (especially a loud noise); involves flexion of most skeletal muscles and a variety of visceral reactions
    startle reaction.
WordNet

startle reflex

  • noun a normal reflex of young infants; a sudden loud noise causes the child to stretch out the arms and flex the legs
    Moro reflex.
WordNet

startle response

  • noun a complicated involuntary reaction to a sudden unexpected stimulus (especially a loud noise); involves flexion of most skeletal muscles and a variety of visceral reactions
    startle reaction.
WordNet