be startled
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Likewise, viewers will not be startled when Marina eventually discovers painful secrets about her mom and dad that cause her to reconsider those phantom figures.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2026
But even jaded readers will be startled by the scope of the self-organizing tyranny besetting the book world.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 28, 2026
While advocating for tougher social media regulation on a panel about disinformation, Janja Lula da Silva appeared to be startled by a loud noise, joking, "I think it's Elon Musk."
From BBC ● Nov. 17, 2024
A person with Tourette disorder might be startled by each separate sound, especially if it increases in volume.
From Science Daily ● May 6, 2024
Perhaps they had already been restraining their curiosity, and they left, fearful that their glances, like a field of nesting birds, might be startled and caught.
From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston
