startled gasp

Examples (10)

• She let out a startled gasp when the lights suddenly went out.
• With a startled gasp, he dropped the mug and stepped back.
• The audience gave a collective burst of startled gasps at the twist ending.
• I woke to a startled gasp as the alarm blared beside my ear.
• There was a startled gasp from the crowd when the glass shattered.
• He stifled a startled gasp and froze, afraid to make a sound.
• “What are you doing here?” she said between startled gasps.
• Even the seasoned detective couldn’t suppress a startled gasp at the scene.
• The children exchanged startled gasps before bursting into nervous laughter.
• You may hear a startled gasp if the fireworks go off early.