startles
Catches off guard
Startles is the third-person singular of startle, meaning to cause a sudden shock or fright: The loud noise startles the cat every time.
To be startled is to experience that jolt of surprise—a quick, involuntary reaction to the unexpected.
The word suggests brief alarm rather than lasting fear.
Urgent warning signal
- scareCause sudden fright
- spookApparition or frighten
- unnerveDisturb someone's composure
- joltAbrupt forceful shake
shock · terrify · petrify · panic · dismay · daunt · intimidate · menace
Involuntary retreat from threat
- twitchInvoluntary muscular jerk
- jerkAbrupt pulling motion
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- jumpPropel oneself airborne
shudder · quiver · tremble · spasm · convulse · lurch · wince · gasp
Intense sudden wonder
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- bewildermentState of being baffled
- wonderAmazement or curiosity
flabbergast · dumbfound · stupefy · gobsmacked · agog · awe · disbelief · incredulity
alarm
Urgent warning signal
jolt · shock · terrify · petrify · panic · dismay · daunt · intimidate · menace · threaten
flinch
Involuntary retreat from threat
jump · shudder · quiver · tremble · spasm · convulse · lurch · wince · gasp · bolt upright
astonishment
Intense sudden wonder
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- bewildermentState of being baffled
wonder · flabbergast · dumbfound · stupefy · gobsmacked · agog · awe · disbelief · incredulity · marvel
rouse
Stir to wakefulness
alert · stir · awaken · bolt upright · interrupt · alarm clock · noise · intrusion
- fluctuationsfluctuations, oscillations, variations, swings, waves
- startle reflexInvoluntary reaction to sudden stimuli
- startle responseInvoluntary reaction to surprise
- startle displayAntipredator surprise tactic