Startle
Startle verb - To make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected.
Usage example: the lightning startled the children and sent them scurrying for cover
Shock is a synonym for startle in frighten topic. In some cases you can use "Shock" instead the word "Startle" as a verb or a noun, when it comes to topics like surprise, alarm, excite. popular alternative
Shock
Shock noun - The state of being strongly impressed by something unexpected or unusual.
Usage example: were in shock after they heard the news of the death of the president
Startle is a synonym for shock in activity topic. You can use "Startle" instead the word "Shock" as a verb or a noun, if it concerns topics such as stun, alarm, excite, frighten. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Common collocations
| people | startle people | shock people |
| audience | startle audience | shock audience |
| time | startle time | shock time |
| personality | startle personality | shock personality |
| Other words: monster, witch, viewer, anyone, soldier, opponent, player, everyone, listener, viewers, friends, players, opponents, enemies, audiences. | ||
Cite this Source
Shock and Startle. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/startle/shock
Startle & Shock. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/startle/shock>.
Shock or Startle. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/startle/shock.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "startle" and "shock" have occurred on timeline