sobresaltarse

Sobresaltarse is a Spanish verb that describes the action of being startled or suddenly surprised. It denotes a spontaneous physical and emotional reaction to an unexpected event, sound, or sight. This reaction often involves a sudden movement, such as jumping or flinching, and a brief feeling of alarm or shock.

The verb is reflexive, meaning it is used with a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se). For example, "Me sobresalté cuando sonó el teléfono" translates to "I startled when the phone rang." The intensity of the sobresalto can vary depending on the stimulus and the individual's disposition. It can range from a mild twitch to a more pronounced gasp or cry.

Sobresaltarse is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe common occurrences. It can be triggered by anything from a loud noise, like a door slamming, to a sudden appearance of someone or something. The feeling associated with sobresaltarse is typically temporary, fading as the individual processes the unexpected stimulus. It is a natural human response to novelty and potential threats.