jump scares
- plural of jump scare.
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.
Unlike traditional horror that mixes dark visuals with jump scares, in “Backrooms” the long hallways and blind corners are starkly lighted and terror builds slowly.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 31, 2026
“Weapons” has something for everyone: jump scares for horrorphiles, nods to classics like “Rashomon” and “Magnolia” for film buffs, and more than a few laughs to leaven the tension.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 26, 2025
With this fourth movie, the Warren lore has been so thoroughly picked over, the tropes and rhythms now so ingrained, the jump scares end up feeling routine at best.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 4, 2025
But as the heap grows taller and each character’s perspective bleeds into the others, “Weapons” becomes rickety, overreliant on conventions like unnecessary, predictable jump scares and plodding dream sequences to hold it up.
From Salon ● Aug. 8, 2025
Too often, the desire to unnerve audiences takes priority, resulting in the metaphor being muddled between jump scares and gore.
From Salon ● Apr. 19, 2025
