jump-scare
Horror film jolt
A jump-scare is a sudden, startling moment in a horror film, video game, or haunted attraction—a face appearing without warning, a loud noise breaking silence.
The technique relies on surprise rather than sustained dread: The movie was just one cheap jump-scare after another.
As a verb, to jump-scare someone is to frighten them this way.
Involuntary retreat from threat
shudder · recoil · shriek · yelp · startle · spill · drop · clutch
Occurring without prior notice
- loudHigh in volume
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
- silenceTotal lack of sound
- buildupGradual accumulation over time
timing · misdirection · sound design · false alarm · red herring · offscreen · doorway · reveal
Sudden intense fear
- screamLoud sharp cry
- slasherKnife-wielding horror villain
- haunted houseDwelling believed spirit-inhabited
- creepyDisturbingly strange
eerie · monster · zombie · vampire · demon · ghost · poltergeist · apparition
State of awaiting something
- tensionStretched or strained state
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- uneaseMild persistent worry
- forebodingFearful anticipation of harm
atmosphere · buildup · waiting · watching · expecting · dreading · holding breath · edge of seat
flinch
Involuntary retreat from threat
twitch · shudder · recoil · shriek · yelp · startle · spill · drop · clutch · grab
sudden
Occurring without prior notice
- loudHigh in volume
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
- silenceTotal lack of sound
buildup · timing · misdirection · sound design · false alarm · red herring · offscreen · doorway · reveal · cutaway
fright
Sudden intense fear
- screamLoud sharp cry
- slasherKnife-wielding horror villain
- haunted houseDwelling believed spirit-inhabited
creepy · eerie · monster · zombie · vampire · demon · ghost · poltergeist · apparition · creature
anticipation
State of awaiting something
foreboding · atmosphere · buildup · waiting · watching · expecting · dreading · holding breath · edge of seat · anxiety
jump-scareslow burn
Gradual buildup of rage
creeping dread · psychological horror · dread · cosmic horror · cosmic dread
jump-scarecalm
Free from agitation
comfort · reassurance · relief · tranquility · serenity
jump, scare, jumps, jumped, jumping, jumper, jumpers, jumpy, scares