Startle: quick facts
Startle is the rapid, reflexive reaction to a sudden, unexpected stimulus such as a loud noise or abrupt movement. It is among the fastest of all human responses, producing an automatic flinch, blink, and tensing of the…
Category
Basic emotions
Valence
Neutral
Emotion family / blend
Surprise
Typical triggers
Sudden loud noises, abrupt movements, unexpected appearances, jumps
How it's expressed
Flinch, blink, raised shoulders, quick intake of breath, jump reflex
Sources: American Psychological Association — APA Dictionary: emotion; Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley — Emotions; Paul Ekman Group — Universal Emotions. Educational information only — not medical or psychological advice. See our sources & fact-check policy.