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Startled Definition & Meaning

startled
adjective
  1. excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement; "students startled by the teacher's quiet return"; "the sudden fluttering of the startled pigeons"; "her startled expression"

Usage tips for "startled"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "startled" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for startled to find words that pair well.

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Frequently asked questions

What does startled mean?
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement; "students startled by the teacher's quiet return"; "the sudden fluttering of the startled pigeons"; "her startled expression"
What part of speech is startled?
Startled is an adjective.

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