adjective
1. : easily frightened : restless , skittish
2. : causing a momentary shock, fright, surprise, or astonishment by a mild or forcible demand upon the attention : consisting of or exhibiting shocking, bizarre, or extremely or mildly unusual features
startling earthquake shocks — American Guide Series: Ind.
a startling roadster, all streamlines and cream paint — Sinclair Lewis
startling economies of expression — Margery Bailey
• star·tling·ly adverb
• star·tling·ness noun -es