ギクッと

adverb, noun or participle which takes 'suru'

startled; frightened; alarmed

Describes a sudden physical or emotional jolt from surprise, fear, or shock. Often used with verbs like する or なる.

See also: ぎくり

• 大おおきな音おとにギクッとした。

  I was startled by the loud noise.

• 彼かれの言こと葉ばにギクッとして、何なにも言いえなかった。

  I was taken aback by his words and couldn't say anything.

adverb, noun or participle which takes 'suru'

creaking; cracking; snapping; popping

Mimics a short, sharp sound like a joint cracking, a floorboard creaking, or something snapping. Less common than the startle sense.

• 床ゆか板いたがギクッときしんだ。

  The floorboard creaked with a sharp sound.

• 指ゆびを曲まげたらギクッと音おとがした。

  My finger made a cracking sound when I bent it.