Definition of startling

"Startling" comes from the Old English word "steortan," meaning "to fall or plunge suddenly." It eventually evolved into "sterten," meaning "to jump or leap," which then became "start" in the 14th century. The "-ling" suffix, common in English, signifies something that does something or is in a particular state, giving us "startling" - something that makes one suddenly jump or leap. So, "startling" is a word rooted in the sudden, unexpected movements that surprise and alarm us.