jump scare
Startling horror moment
A jump scare is a sudden, startling moment in a horror film, video game, or haunted attraction—typically a loud noise or unexpected appearance designed to make you flinch.
The technique is effective but often considered cheap: The movie relied too heavily on jump scares.
As a verb, to jump-scare someone is to frighten them this way.
Frighten suddenly
- suddenOccurring without prior notice
- loud noiseHigh-decibel auditory disturbance
- false alarmErroneous warning signal
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
timing · buildup · release · telegraphed · predictable · effective · lazy · overused
Loud sharp cry
- gaspSudden sharp breath
- flinchInvoluntary retreat from threat
- heart-poundingCausing intense physical excitement
- adrenalineEmergency response hormone
startle reflex · jolt · shock · shriek · nervous laughter · heart attack · sweaty palms · goosebumps
Stretched or strained state
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- forebodingFearful anticipation of harm
- buildupGradual accumulation over time
silence · darkness · creaking · footsteps · shadow · corner · doorway · mirror
Knife-wielding horror villain
- haunted houseDwelling believed spirit-inhabited
- ghostApparition of the dead
- killerOne who causes death
- masked figurePerson with concealed face
demon · possession · paranormal · supernatural · creature · zombie · vampire · werewolf
Cinema meant to terrify
- video gameElectronic interactive visual entertainment
- YouTubeVideo-sharing website
- prank videoRecording of a trick
- streamingReal-time digital delivery
trailer · scene · clip · compilation · reaction video · screamer · horror game · walkthrough
startle
Frighten suddenly
- suddenOccurring without prior notice
- loud noiseHigh-decibel auditory disturbance
- false alarmErroneous warning signal
misdirection · timing · buildup · release · telegraphed · predictable · effective · lazy · overused · cliché
scream
Loud sharp cry
- gaspSudden sharp breath
- flinchInvoluntary retreat from threat
- heart-poundingCausing intense physical excitement
adrenaline · startle reflex · jolt · shock · shriek · nervous laughter · heart attack · sweaty palms · goosebumps
tension
Stretched or strained state
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- forebodingFearful anticipation of harm
buildup · silence · darkness · creaking · footsteps · shadow · corner · doorway · mirror · closet
slasher
Knife-wielding horror villain
- haunted houseDwelling believed spirit-inhabited
- ghostApparition of the dead
- killerOne who causes death
masked figure · demon · possession · paranormal · supernatural · creature · zombie · vampire · werewolf · found footage
horror movie
Cinema meant to terrify
- video gameElectronic interactive visual entertainment
- YouTubeVideo-sharing website
- prank videoRecording of a trick
streaming · trailer · scene · clip · compilation · reaction video · screamer · horror game · walkthrough
- Halloweenjack-o-lantern, trick or treating, haunted mansion, pumpkin, trick-or-treat
- horrorhorror, terror, fear, dread, haunted
- entertainment clicheshappy ending, cliffhanger, plot twist, love triangle, damsel in distress
- fear reactionsscream, gasp, terrified, flinch, panicked
- haunted attractionshaunted house, haunted maze, strobe light, fog machines, animatronics
- horror tropesfinal girl, haunted house, masked killer, slasher, creepy doll
jump scareslow burn
Gradual buildup of rage
creeping dread · psychological horror · cosmic horror · existential dread · body horror
jump, scare, scary, scared, jumping, jumper, jumps, scaring, scarer