Added 9 October 2026 startled /ˈstɑɹt.l̩d/ adjective Categories: Describing WordsUncommon Words adjective ! Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about startled at Wordnik → Where our words come from → Excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement. students startled by the teacher's quiet return Related Words: surprisedshockedastonishedastoundedamazedstunnedspookedterrifiedfrightenedscaredafraidsurprise Back to today's word