startled

[ stahr-tld ]

adjective

1. disturbed or agitated suddenly, as by surprise or alarm:

   Seeing startled herons and egrets flee at the sound of 35 teenagers was a highlight for kids who rarely see birds in their natural habitat.

2. expressing such surprise or alarm:

   A startled cry escaped my throat as I was roughly pulled to my feet by the bodyguard.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of startle.

Other Words From

• un·star·tled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of startled¹

startle ( def ) + -ed ²( def )

Example Sentences

When John Krasinski took to the stage after the world premiere of his movie “A Quiet Place” last month at the South by Southwest Film Festival, he seemed startled and surprised not only by the intensity of the audience’s response but also, perhaps, even by the movie itself.

From Los Angeles Times

He finds the medication in the cabinet over the sink, but is startled by the sudden appearance of an older, suit-clad man behind him.

From Los Angeles Times

Moments later, the smuggler - a tall figure with bright dyed blonde hair - turned away sharply, like a startled fox, and vanished down a narrow path into the woods.

From BBC

Even amid political furies, Martin, who looks like she stepped off the set of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” appears more amused than startled, speaking in the low, accented voice of a woman paging through a family scrapbook, pointing out histories and disappointments.

From Los Angeles Times

One man startled us by saying he was a Palestinian who lived in Ireland and had once fought with and killed people for the Irish Republican Army but is now devoted to promoting peace.

From Salon

Related Words

• scared
• shocked
• spooked
• stunned
• surprised