startled
/ˈstɑrtld/
adjective
- Feeling a sudden shock or surprise, often causing a quick physical reaction.
- He gave a startled cry as the cold water hit him.
- The startled rabbit froze when it saw the headlights.
- She looked startled when the door suddenly slammed shut.
verb
- Past tense and past participle of 'startle' — to cause someone to feel sudden surprise or shock.
- I didn't mean to startle you; I just wanted to say hello.
- The loud thunder startled the sleeping dog.
- The unexpected news startled everyone in the room.