Startling

Adjective describing something that causes sudden shock, surprise, or alarm. It often interrupts a state of calm or expectation, bringing an abrupt shift in attention. The impact can range from mild surprise to a more intense feeling of fright or bewilderment, depending on the context and the degree of unexpectedness. The effect is immediate, prompting a visceral response, and can linger as a memory of the unexpected event.

Startling meaning with examples

• The loud crash of thunder during the quiet night provided a startling interruption to our sleep, jolting us awake.
• The sudden appearance of a deer crossing the road created a startling moment, forcing the driver to react quickly.
• Her startling revelation about the company's finances shocked everyone present at the board meeting.
• The magician's startling illusions left the audience in a state of awe and disbelief for a long time afterwards.
• After hearing the startling news of her departure, the team members struggled to maintain their concentration and composure.