Thrown surprise

Startled

Strength 2 of 4

A sudden jolt at something abrupt, like a loud noise or a movement you didn’t see coming, over almost before you know it has happened.

In the body

  • A jump or flinch
  • A sharp intake of breath
  • Heart giving a hard thump

Needs behind it

When these needs aren’t met

SafetyReassurance

Softer and stronger

  1. Startled
  2. Surprised
  3. Astonished
  4. Shocked
  5. Stunned

Often confused with

Alarmed

Startled is a brief jump at something sudden that soon passes; alarmed comes when you sense something is really wrong and needs action.

Surprised

Startled is a quick bodily jump at something abrupt; surprised is the mind registering that things are not as expected.