Startle_Synonyms_Brainscape_Flashcards

Question 1

Surprise
/sər-prīz/

Answer 1

Meaning: To cause someone to feel unexpected wonder or astonishment.
Nuances: Neutral or positive, focuses on unexpectedness.
Example (Physical Context): He surprised her with a gift.
Example (Emotional/Metaphorical Context): The plot twist surprised the audience.

Question 2

Shock
/ʃɑːk/

Answer 2

Meaning: To cause extreme surprise or dismay.
Nuances: Intense, often negative, can imply discomfort.
Example (Physical Context): The cold shower shocked him.
Example (Emotional/Metaphorical Context): The news shocked the community.

Question 3

Alarm
/əˈlɑːrm/

Answer 3

Meaning: To cause worry or fear.
Nuances: Urgent, often associated with danger.
Example (Physical Context): The alarm sounded during the fire.
Example (Emotional/Metaphorical Context): The situation alarmed the authorities.

Question 4

Frighten
/ˈfraɪ.tən/

Answer 4

Meaning: To cause fear.
Nuances: Intense fear, often about a threat.
Example (Physical Context): The storm frightened the children.
Example (Emotional/Metaphorical Context): The possibility of failure frightened him.

Question 5

Unnerve
/ʌnˈnɝːv/

Answer 5

Meaning: To make someone lose courage or confidence.
Nuances: Causing loss of composure.
Example (Physical Context): The high wire act unnerved her.
Example (Emotional/Metaphorical Context): His confidence unnerved his competitors.

Question 6

Disconcert
/dis-kən-sûrt/

Answer 6

Meaning: To unsettle or confuse.
Nuances: Causing discomfort or confusion.
Example (Physical Context): The sudden blackout disconcerted the guests.
Example (Emotional/Metaphorical Context): His criticism disconcerted the author.

Question 7

Jolt
/dʒoʊlt/

Answer 7

Meaning: To give a sudden, sharp surprise or shock.
Nuances: Sudden and intense, can be physical or emotional.
Example (Physical Context): The earthquake jolted the city.
Example (Emotional/Metaphorical Context): The news jolted the stock market.

Question 8

Amaze
/əˈmeɪz/

Answer 8

Meaning: To astonish greatly.
Nuances: Overwhelming sense of wonder, usually positive.
Example (Physical Context): Her performance amazed the audience.
Example (Emotional/Metaphorical Context): His ingenuity amazed his peers.