Verb (5-dan, く, intransitive)
1. to be surprised; to be taken aback; to be amazed; to be astonished; to be shocked
みんな驚いて声も出ない。Everyone is so surprised that they cannot even speak.
2. to be frightened; to be startled; to be alarmed
大きな音に驚いて、猫が逃げた。Startled by the loud noise, the cat ran away.