startle
verb (used with object)
to disturb or agitate suddenly as by surprise or alarm.
was startling
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past progressiveof startle.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
It was startling at the time to hear those chants.
From Salon ● Aug. 30, 2026
Galleries on the outer courts were often tens deep, while the image of thousands of Filipinos queuing in line to watch their idol Alexandra Eala was startling.
From BBC ● Feb. 3, 2026
The news that Paul Thomas Anderson was rolling up his sleeves to make an action thriller was startling but intriguing, and kind of funny.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 22, 2026
During a recent visit, the contrast between the roar of the nearby 2 Freeway and the sound of birds chatting in the garden was startling.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2024
Pike, though, told agents one more thing that was startling.
From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann
