Dictionary
startling
adjective
: very surprising, shocking, or frightening
Full Definition of STARTLING
: causing momentary fright, surprise, or astonishment <a startling discovery>
— star·tling·ly adverb
See startling defined for English-language learners
See startling defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of STARTLING
1714
Related to STARTLING
- Synonyms
- amazing, astonishing, astounding, blindsiding, dumbfounding (also dumfounding), eye-opening, flabbergasting, jarring, jaw-dropping, jolting, shocking, surprising, stunning, stupefying
- Antonyms
- unsurprising
STARTLING Defined for Kids
startling
adjective star·tling
Definition of STARTLING for Kids
: causing a moment of fright or surprise <a startling noise> <a startling discovery>
Learn More About STARTLING
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up startling? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).