jumpscare
Abrupt horror jolt
A jumpscare 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 shock rather than sustained dread: The movie was mostly boring, but the jumpscares got me.
As a verb, to jumpscare someone is to frighten them this way.
Sudden intense fear
- terrorExtreme, overwhelming fear
- screamLoud sharp cry
- creepyDisturbingly strange
- hauntTrouble persistently, as spirits
eerie · nightmare · dread · macabre · slasher · ghoul · phantom · apparition
Involuntary retreat from threat
- gaspSudden sharp breath
- joltAbrupt forceful shake
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- twitchInvoluntary muscular jerk
shudder · recoil · spasm · blink · scream · reflex · reaction · quiver
Not anticipated beforehand
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- burstBreak apart suddenly
- flashBrief burst of light
- popFizzy drink, regionally
bang · loud · jarring · abrupt · timing · misdirection · buildup
Emergency response hormone
- excitementState of eager enthusiasm
- rushQuick sudden movement
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
- tensionStretched or strained state
edge-of-seat · heart-pounding · anticipation · thrill-seeker · roller-coaster · catharsis
fright
Sudden intense fear
haunt · eerie · nightmare · dread · macabre · slasher · ghoul · phantom · apparition · specter
flinch
Involuntary retreat from threat
twitch · shudder · recoil · spasm · blink · scream · reflex · reaction · quiver · tremble
unexpected
Not anticipated beforehand
pop · bang · loud · jarring · abrupt · timing · misdirection · buildup
adrenaline
Emergency response hormone
- excitementState of eager enthusiasm
- rushQuick sudden movement
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
tension · edge-of-seat · heart-pounding · anticipation · thrill-seeker · roller-coaster · catharsis
- Online Pranksrickroll, rickrolling, screamer, trolling, rage bait
- prankspranks, prank calls, prank call, prank video, practical jokes
jumpscareslow burn
Gradual buildup of rage
creeping dread · psychological horror · dread · foreboding · suspense
jumpscarerelief
Easing of distress
reassurance · calm · comfort · tension release · catharsis
jump, scare, jumps, jumped, jumping, jumper, jumpers, scares, scared