startle

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.

Few people who have been on the national stage this long retain an ability to startle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

But when she sees another dog, everything changes: she snarls, barks loud enough to startle a city block, and lunges with so much force it takes all my strength to hold her back.

From Salon • Aug. 18, 2025

While her decision to stand down as an MSP was obvious and much anticipated, it still has the capacity to startle.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2025

“Dogs can startle or scare bears and provoke defensive behaviors,” according to the state agency website, so dogs should be kept on a leash on trails.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2024

Two loud knocks at the front door startle us.

From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas