"Wast startled" is an archaic phrase that consists of two words, "wast" and "startled," used together to describe a state of alarm, surprise, or sudden fear. It is essential to understand each component of the phrase independently to grasp its meaning fully.
The word "wast" is the second-person singular form of the verb "be" in the past tense, used in older versions of English. It indicates an action or state of being that occurred in the past. In modern English, this form has been replaced by "were" or "was," depending on the subject.
The term "startled" is an adjective that refers to a feeling of sudden surprise or shock, often caused by something unexpected or alarming. It captures the sensation of being abruptly taken aback or disconcerted by a particular event, noise, or situation.
Therefore, when combined, "wast startled" implies that someone in the past, often in literary or formal contexts, experienced a jolt of shock or surprise. Perhaps they were caught off guard or frightened unexpectedly by a sudden occurrence or an unforeseen event. The use of "wast" in this phrase conveys a sense of the action happening in the second person, singular, and past tense, providing a vivid depiction of an individual being startled in the past.
