# startled

/ˈstɑɹtəɫd/ (US) · /stˈɑːtəld/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/startled
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

feeling a sudden shock or surprise because of something unexpected. You might feel this way if a loud noise happens suddenly.

For teachers: feeling sudden alarm or surprise, typically as a reaction to an unexpected stimulus. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'look', 'seem', or 'appear'.

## Examples

- The loud bang left her feeling startled.
- A startled deer jumped across the road when it heard the car approaching the forest edge.
- The witness gave a startled gasp as the prosecutor revealed the hidden evidence, momentarily losing the composure she had maintained throughout the trial.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb or appears before a noun to describe a sudden state of shock.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.