Surprising in a way that makes you stop — so unusual or unexpected that you have to take a moment to accept it. It is a step stronger than 'surprising' and often carries a hint that the news is not entirely welcome: startling news, a startling discovery, a startling increase in prices, a startling similarity between two people. Notice how often it goes with numbers and findings, which is why it is common in news reports and academic writing: 'the results were startling'. It also works for things that catch the eye rather than the mind — startling blue eyes, a startling shade of orange — where it means the colour is so strong it almost gives you a jolt. Unlike 'shocking', it does not suggest anything morally wrong; a startling fact is simply hard to believe, while a shocking fact is one that offends you.