spooked

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said the pick had “spooked” shareholders, despite questions about how the new administration might pursue its threats.

Recent developments in domestic politics in Mexico have spooked some investors.

The tourists' spinners were no match for the home tweakers, while England's batters struggled for the right tempo on the Rawalpindi pitch, possibly spooked by all the talk of a raging turner.

Parents of young children are often spooked by the risks of last-minute Halloween costume shopping: wait too long and the costumes-of-the-moment may be all snapped up.

Consumer confidence was hit, at least this month, and some retailers spooked by disappointing sales after this talk of pain.