startle -
To cause a person or animal to feel sudden shock or alarm
The speeding car startled Victor, and he had just enough time to jump out of the way.
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flabbergasted -
To be surprised, amazed, or shocked very unexpectedly
Lucille was flabbergasted when she arrived at her classroom Tuesday morning for another day of teaching, and her 4th grade students had made a surprise birthday party for her.
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thunderbolt -
A sudden flash of lightning with a loud crash of thunder, or an unexpected and dramatic event or piece of news.
When the president's announced that he wasn't going to run for re-election, it came as an unexpected thunderbolt to the public.
verb
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astonish -
To surprise or impress (someone) greatly
The audience was astonished by the amazing fireworks display at the end of the concert.
adjective
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incredulous -
(of a person or their manner) unwilling or unable to believe something
Even while the news interviewed him holding his giant check, Jake was still incredulous that he had won the lottery.
verb
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astound -
To cause others to be very surprised or shocked
The American public was astounded by the revelations about Watergate that were revealed by Woodward and Bernstein in the Washington Post.
adjective
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dumbstruck -
So shocked or surprised as to be unable to speak.
When Bill heard on the phone that the storm had destroyed his summer house, he was dumbstruck, and didn't know how to respond.
adjective
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aghast -
Struck with shock, amazement, or horror
When the Stevens family returned home from their two week vacation, they were aghast to find that loads of stray cats were living in their house.
adjective
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untimely -
Not happening at a useful or expected time.
The serious and untimely injury of the tennis star forced him to quit sports.
noun
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anticlimax -
A situation where the outcome is much less dramatic than expected.
The final scene was such an anticlimax after all the suspense, that the audience was very disappointed.
noun
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impact -
The force or action of one object hitting another.
The impact of the car crash was so strong that it damaged both vehicles.
adjective
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appalled -
Filled with dismay or disgust, especially at something morally wrong.
We were appalled at the cost of the car repairs—it was far too high!
