Definition

A sudden, unexpected frightening moment designed to startle the audience in horror films, games, or media. It typically involves a loud noise, sudden appearance of something unsettling, or a shocking visual cut.

Example Usage

The horror movie relied too heavily on jump scares rather than building genuine suspense.

Origin

A modern term that emerged in film criticism in the late 20th century, gaining popularity with the rise of slasher films and survival horror video games in the 1990s.

Fun Fact

Jump scares are scientifically effective at triggering the startle response, causing a measurable spike in heart rate and adrenaline, which is why they're so common in horror entertainment.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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