säikähtyi

Säikähtyi is the past tense third-person singular form of the Finnish verb "säikähtää." The verb "säikähtää" translates to "to be startled," "to be frightened," or "to be scared" in English. Therefore, "säikähtyi" specifically describes an action that occurred in the past, where an individual or entity experienced a sudden fright or alarm.

The usage of "säikähtyi" implies an involuntary reaction to something unexpected or alarming. This could be a sudden noise, a startling sight, or any event that causes a momentary sense of fear or surprise. For example, a sentence like "Koira säikähtyi ukkosta" would translate to "The dog was startled by the thunder." Similarly, "Hän säikähtyi äkillistä ovea kolahtaen" means "He/She was startled by the sudden banging of the door."

The word emphasizes the instantaneous nature of the reaction. It is not typically used for prolonged fear or deep-seated anxiety, but rather for a brief, sudden onset of being scared. The subject of the verb can be any animate being, including humans and animals, and in some contexts, even inanimate objects if personified. The context in which "säikähtyi" is used will usually clarify the cause of the fright.