A startle; a sudden motion or shock.
"The startling noise from the hallway made me jump out of my chair."
present participle and gerund of startle
"The startling sound from upstairs made her jump out of bed in a panic."
so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm
"Sydney's startling new Opera House"
"startling news"
"startling earthquake shocks"
Likely to startle; surprising; shocking.
"The startling news of her sudden resignation left everyone in the office speechless."