startler

The morning news broadcast contained a real startler about the local weather.

Definition

Noun: A startler is something or someone that causes a sudden shock, surprise, or fright.

Usage Examples

• (The unexpected sound caused a shock.)
• (The story was surprising and shocking.)
• (The bang caused a sudden fright.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be a startler": to be something that startles or shocks.
  • The news of the earthquake was a startler for the entire community. (The news caused widespread shock.)
• "a bit of a startler": a mild or moderate surprise.
  • His sudden appearance at the party was a bit of a startler, but we welcomed him. (It was a small surprise.)

Variants and Related Words

• Startle (verb): to cause someone to feel sudden shock or surprise.
  • The loud thunder startled the cat. (The thunder caused the cat to jump.)
• Startling (adjective): causing sudden shock or surprise.
  • The startling revelation changed everything. (The surprising information was shocking.)
• Startled (adjective): feeling sudden shock or surprise.
  • She had a startled expression when the door slammed. (She looked surprised.)

Synonyms

• Shocker: something that causes surprise or disgust.
  • The movie's ending was a real shocker. (It was very surprising.)
• Surprise: an unexpected event that causes wonder.
  • The gift was a pleasant surprise. (It was unexpected and enjoyable.)
• Fright: a sudden, intense fear.
  • The mask gave me a fright. (It scared me suddenly.)

Related Idioms

• Give someone a start: to cause someone to be suddenly frightened or surprised.
  • The cat jumping out gave me a start. (It startled me.)
• Take someone aback: to surprise or shock someone so much that they are unable to react.
  • Her blunt comment took me aback. (It surprised me greatly.)