Säikäyttää

Säikäyttää is a Finnish verb that translates to "to startle," "to frighten," or "to scare" in English. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object, the person or thing that is being startled or frightened. The verb describes the action of causing sudden fear or alarm in someone or something.

The word originates from the Finnish word "säikkyä," which means "to be startled" or "to get frightened." The verb "säikäyttää" therefore refers to the act of causing this state in another. It can be used in various contexts, from a playful jump scare to a more serious situation involving genuine fear.

Examples of its usage include "Hän säikäytti minut" (He/She startled me) or "Älä säikäytä kissaa" (Don't scare the cat). The intensity of the scare can vary, and "säikäyttää" can imply anything from a mild surprise to a more significant fright. The context of the sentence often clarifies the degree of fear induced. The verb is commonly used in everyday conversation and literature in Finland.