adjective
- suddenly surprised or frightened by something unexpected
Examples
- She looked startled when the door slammed shut.
- The startled deer froze in the headlights.
- He gave a startled cry when someone tapped his shoulder.
- The cat appeared startled by the sudden noise.
- With a startled expression, she dropped her coffee cup.
- The startled children ran to their mother.
- I was startled to see him standing there.