Definition of Startling

1. Adjective. So remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm. "Startling earthquake shocks"

Similar to: Surprising

Definition of Startling

1. Verb. (present participle of startle) ¹

2. Adjective. Likely to startle; surprising; shocking. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Startling

1. startle [v] - See also: startle

Lexicographical Neighbors of Startling

starting time
starting up
startingly
startings
startish
startle
startle reaction
startle reflex
startle response
startled
startlement
startlements
startler
startlers
startles
startling
startlingly
startlish
startly
starts
starts up
startsy
startup
startupper
startups
starvation
starvation acidosis
starvations
starve
starved

Literary usage of Startling

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Life of Charles Dickens by John Forster (1874)
"He also prepared his English friends for the startling in- Startling telligence they might shortly expect, of four readings coming off in a church, ..."

2. The Art of Worldly Wisdom by Baltasar Gracián y Morales, Joseph Jacobs (1892)
"Try therefore to be born again in valour, in genius, in fortune, in all. Display startling novelties, rise afresh like the sun every day. ..."

3. The Works of Washington Irving by Washington Irving (1862)
"WASHINGTON'S OBJECT IN DISTRESSING BOSTON—SCARCITY AND SICKNESS IN THE TOWN A Startling ... Startling ..."

4. Notes and Queries by Martim de Albuquerque (1873)
"... in the pages of “ N. & Q.” I should also note certain vague and startling forms which appeared in a good article on Chaucer by Mr. Furnivall in ..."

5. The Catholic Encyclopedia: An International Work of Reference on the by Charles George Herbermann, Edward Aloysius Pace, Condé Bénoist Pallen, Thomas Joseph Shahan, John Joseph Wynne (1913)
"From the publication of his first work, Rousseau won a success that was immediate and startling. This was because he brought qualities entirely novel or ..."

6. Harper's New Monthly Magazine by Henry Mills Alden (1883)
"... and the general impression of riotous lines meandering about the gables is further enhanced by startling effects of painting and gilding. ..."

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