駭 (hài) - To startle & to shock

駭Tone 4

hài ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

駭 · hài

To startle;

to shock;

to frighten;

to be astonished;

also refers to something shocking or horrifying.

To startleto shockto frighten

Usage highlights

Shocking newsTo startle the worldAstonishing changeFrightening spectacleTo be shocked and frightenedHorrifying event

Synonyms

  • 惊— to startle; to surprise
  • 吓— to frighten; to scare
  • 震— to shock; to astonish

Antonyms

  • 安— calm; peaceful
  • 静— quiet; tranquil

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The sudden noise startled the horse (骇马).
  • The news was shocking (骇人听闻).
  • He was astonished by the sight (骇异).
  • The event caused a great shock (引起骇动).

Collocations

  • Shocking news(骇闻)
  • To startle the world(骇世)
  • Astonishing change(骇变)
  • Frightening spectacle(骇观)
  • To be shocked and frightened(惊骇)
  • Horrifying event(骇事)

Idioms

  • Shocking the heavens and moving the earth(惊天骇地)
  • A shocking and bizarre story(骇人听闻)
  • To astonish the senses(骇目惊心)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character 骇 originally described horses being frightened, later extended to general shock and astonishment.
  • In classical texts, it is often used to describe reactions to unnatural or terrifying events.
  • It carries a strong connotation of sudden, overwhelming surprise or fear.

FAQ