be startled
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But even jaded readers will be startled by the scope of the self-organizing tyranny besetting the book world.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026
A person with Tourette disorder might be startled by each separate sound, especially if it increases in volume.
From Science Daily • May 6, 2024
Yet in my role as publisher of The New York Times, I continue to be startled by the growing resistance to independent journalism.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 8, 2024
He seemed even more fragile than usual, like he might be startled out of his chair by any sudden movement.
From Slate • Aug. 27, 2022
Perhaps they had already been restraining their curiosity, and they left, fearful that their glances, like a field of nesting birds, might be startled and caught.
From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston
