jump scare
noun
in a movie or video game, a sudden movement, appearance, or loud sound meant to startle the viewer.
jump scares
-
pluralof jump scare.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
"We don't do jump scares, really," said McKellan - although I can think of a few alarming times playing the game I vehemently disagreed with that statement.
From BBC ● Sep. 25, 2026
He was joined by “Aqua Dazzle” owner Rex Danyluk and friends as they designed an immersive, imaginative experience without a haunted house, a maze or jump scares.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026
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
Director James Wan creates some of the most memorable, and cinematically elegant, jump scares ever filmed.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 23, 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
