startled
word · lemma: startle
/ˈstɑɹtəɫd/
STAR-tuhld
/stˈɑːtəld/
STAH-tuhld
Definition
Feeling suddenly surprised or shocked, often because of an unexpected sound or action.
Usage & Nuances
"Startled" is typically used for brief, intense surprise, often from something sudden like a loud noise. Common in storytelling and descriptions. Not as strong as "terrified" or "shocked"—it's more about the momentary reaction.
Spanish: sobresaltado - asustado (por sorpresa)Portuguese (BR): assustado (de surpresa)Portuguese (PT): assustado (de surpresa)Chinese (Simplified): 受惊吓的 - 吃了一惊的Chinese (Traditional): 受驚嚇的 - 吃了一驚的Hindi: चौंक गया - डर गया (अचानक)Arabic: مذعور - فزع (بسبب المفاجأة)Bengali: চমকে উঠেছিল - হঠাৎ ভয় পেয়েছিলRussian: испуганный (от неожиданности)Japanese: 驚いたVietnamese: giật mìnhKorean: 깜짝 놀란Turkish: ürkmüş - irkilmiş (şaşkınlıkla)Urdu: چونک جانا - اچانک گھبراہٹIndonesian: terkejut
Example Sentences
The loud noise startled the baby.
basic
She looked startled when I called her name.
basic
I was startled by the sudden flash of lightning.
basic
He sounded genuinely startled when he heard the news.
natural
You really startled me sneaking up like that!
natural
The cat jumped off the counter, looking completely startled.
natural