startle reflex

/ˌstɑrdl ˌriˈflɛks/
IPA guide

Definitions of startle reflex
  1. noun
    a normal reflex of young infants; a sudden loud noise causes the child to stretch out the arms and flex the legs
    synonyms: Moro reflex
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    type of:
    jump, start, startle
    a sudden involuntary movement
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