Definition

1. Verb:
   • To start; to give a start: To make a sudden, involuntary movement due to surprise, fear, or being suddenly awakened. It describes a physical jerk or jump of the body.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Tiếng sét lớn khiến tôi giựt mình. (The loud thunderclap made me start.)
  • Cô ấy giựt mình thức dậy khi nghe chuông báo cháy. (She started up from her sleep when she heard the fire alarm.)
  • Đừng lén đến gần như vậy, bạn làm tôi giựt mình đấy! (Don't sneak up like that, you made me jump!)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used to describe a reaction to an unexpected auditory stimulus or a sudden realization.
  • Đọc tin đó, anh ấy giựt mình. (Reading that news, he gave a start [was startled].)

Variants and Related Words

• Giật mình (v): This is a more common modern spelling variant of "giựt mình" with the same meaning.
  • Tôi giật mình vì tiếng động. (I was startled by the noise.)

Synonyms

• To be startled: To be surprised and alarmed suddenly.
• To jump: To move suddenly and quickly.
• To flinch: To make a quick, nervous movement.

Related Idioms

• Giựt mình thon thót: To be constantly on edge or easily startled; to be in a state of nervous fear.
  • Ở một mình trong ngôi nhà cũ, cô ấy giựt mình thon thót với mọi tiếng động. (Alone in the old house, she was jumpy at every sound.)

verb

1. to start; to give a start
   • giựt mình thức dậy
     to start up from one's sleep