startled

Everyday

1. Startled means suddenly surprised or a little frightened by something unexpected, so you jump or stop. tree →
2. Startled is also the past form of «startle», which means to surprise or frighten someone suddenly. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, «startled» shows a quick, sudden fright: a character jumps at a noise. In nature lessons and safety, animals that are startled may run away, kick or bite, so children learn to move slowly and quietly near horses, dogs and wild animals. Phrases: «startled by», «a startled look», «startled out of».

Examples

• The cat was startled by the loud bang. tree →
• She gave a startled cry. tree →
• Don't startle the horse by running behind it. tree →
• The deer looked up, startled, and ran away. tree →
• I was startled when my phone rang. tree →
• A startled dog may bite, so let it see you coming. tree →
• He was startled out of his sleep. tree →
• The startled birds flew off the fence. tree →
• “Bill Jukes dead!” cried the startled pirates. tree →

Note

«Startled» is both an adjective and the past form of «startle». It describes a sudden, short surprise; «scared» or «terrified» are stronger and last longer. Do not confuse with «started» (began). «Startling» describes the thing that causes the surprise: «startling news».

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Boaz wakes with a start in the night to find Ruth at his feet; tradition reads Ruth's act as modest, honest and planned to ask him to redeem her family. In the primary lessons: In stories, «startled» shows a quick, sudden fright: a character jumps at a noise. In nature lessons and safety, animals that are startled may run away, kick or bite, so children learn to move slowly and quietly near horses, dogs and wild animals. Phrases: «startled by», «a startled look», «startled out of».

Examples

• And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was startled, and turned himself; and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. (Writings RUT.3.8, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«Startled» is both an adjective and the past form of «startle». It describes a sudden, short surprise; «scared» or «terrified» are stronger and last longer. Do not confuse with «started» (began). «Startling» describes the thing that causes the surprise: «startling news».