Pronunciation: /ˈstɑːrtəld/

Definitions of startled

verb past tense of startle, to cause someone to feel sudden shock or alarm

Example Sentences

A1 I was startled by the loud noise.

A2 The sudden movement startled the cat.

B1 She was startled to see her ex-boyfriend at the party.

B2 The unexpected news startled everyone in the room.

C1 The intricate plot twist in the movie startled even the most seasoned viewers.

C2 The politician's controversial statement startled the entire nation.

adjective feeling or showing sudden shock or alarm

Example Sentences

A1 The loud noise startled the cat.

A2 She was startled by the sudden appearance of her friend.

B1 The unexpected news startled everyone in the room.

B2 The startled expression on his face revealed his surprise.

C1 The startled deer quickly ran off into the forest.

C2 She tried to hide her startled reaction to the shocking revelation.

Examples of startled in a Sentence

formal The loud noise startled the audience during the symphony performance.

informal I was so startled when my cat jumped out from behind the couch.

slang She was totally startled when she saw her ex at the party.

figurative The sudden change in plans startled me, but I quickly adapted.

Grammatical Forms of startled

past tense

startled

plural

startled

comparative

more startled

superlative

most startled

present tense

startle

future tense

will startle

perfect tense

have startled

continuous tense

is startling

singular

startled

positive degree

startled

infinitive

startle

gerund

startling

participle

startling

Origin and Evolution of startled

First Known Use: 1300 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'startled' originated from the Middle English word 'stertlen' which means to rush or leap suddenly.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'startled' has retained its meaning of being surprised or frightened suddenly, but its usage has expanded to describe a wider range of emotions and reactions.