startle reflex

noun

A brainstem reflectory reaction that serves to protect vulnerable parts, such as the back of the neck and the eyes and facilitates an escape from sudden stimuli.

Similar
Moro reflex
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Meanings

nounstartle reflex (plural startle reflexes)

plural startle reflexes

  1. medicineA brainstem reflectory reaction that serves to protect vulnerable parts, such as the back of the neck and the eyes and facilitates an escape from sudden stimuli.

Synonyms & antonyms

nouna normal reflex of young infants; a sudden loud noise causes the child to stretch out the arms and flex the legs

Similar
Moro reflex
Broader
startlejumpstart
Also see
jumpmoro reflex

Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

Cite this entry
APA

startle reflex. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/startle%20reflex

MLA

“startle reflex.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/startle%20reflex. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “startle reflex,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/startle%20reflex.

Source: startle reflex on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.