gyotto
A sudden shock or fright that makes you freeze with wide eyes. Stronger than bikkuri — implies a visceral, physical reaction of horror or alarm.
💡Seeing something unexpected — 'I went gyotto when I saw the spider.'
暗闇で人影を見てぎょっとした。
I was startled gyotto when I saw a figure in the dark.
I was startled ___ when I saw a figure in the dark.
暗闇で人影を見て○○とした。