Spanish word

asustar

Pronunciation

IPA/asusˈtaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbstartle, scare

Example

¡No me asustes así!

Don't startle me like that!

Illustration for asustar (startle)

More examples

¿Por qué intentas asustar a la gente por sorpresa?

Why are you trying to startle people by surprise?

Core concept

A sudden unexpected stimulus that makes someone jump or feel afraid.

Common phrases

  • asustar a alguien por sorpresa

    startle someone by surprise

  • asustar a la gente

    startle people

Similar words

sorprender: Generates immediate surprise or astonishment when an event is unforeseen.
espantar: Scares someone sharply, producing strong fear from a sudden shock or noise.
sobresaltar: Surprises someone with a swift physical startle, a short, sharp jolt.
atemorizar: Fosters lasting fear or apprehension that continues beyond the initial event.

Definition in Spanish

Hacer que alguien sienta miedo o sobresalto por un estímulo inesperado o una acción repentina.

Word origin

From the noun susto 'fright' plus the verb-forming suffix -ar, so it means to cause that sudden fright.

Usage tips

  • Spanish uses an indirect object pronoun with asustar to mark who is startled, for example me asustó means it startled me, and asustar implies alarm while sorprender can be neutral.

Other meanings

  • frightenverb

Opposites

Related words

  • asustadostartledadjective
  • asustadorfrighteningadjective

Word lists with this word