transitive. To cause to start or flinch; to startle. Now somewhat rare.

transitive. To awaken or startle from (also out of) a state of comfort, security, or apathy; to shake up. Also with up.

transitive. To cause (a person or animal) to undergo a sudden involuntary movement of the body, through surprise, alarm, etc.; to surprise greatly…

To startle, to surprise. Cf. jolt, n. 2b.

To cause to jump; to give a jumping motion to; to drive forward with a bound; to startle. Also figurative.