startle reaction meaning

UK US /ˈstɑrtəl riˈækʃən/ 5 syllables

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.

Definition of startle reaction

  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

    Synonyms: startle response

    Type of: startle

How to pronounce startle reaction

startle reaction is pronounced /ˈstɑrtəl riˈækʃən/ in American English. It has 5 syllables.

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