STARTLE RESPONSE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does startle response mean? 

• STARTLE RESPONSE (noun)
  The noun STARTLE RESPONSE has 1 sense:

1. 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

  Familiarity information: STARTLE RESPONSE used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• STARTLE RESPONSE (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

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

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

startle reaction; startle response

Hypernyms ("startle response" is a kind of...):

jump; start; startle (a sudden involuntary movement)

 Context examples 

Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) Tension; feelings of tension, fatigability, startle response, moved to tears easily, trembling, feelings of restlessness, inability to relax.

(HAMA - Tension, NCI Thesaurus)