Valve developers have said that this behaviour is to prevent the Witch from taking out an entire team once she is startled, something she is easily capable of. After killing that one player, she'll flee from the scene, leaving the other players alone. She'll then use her razor-sharp claws to tear her hapless victim to shreds, only stopping if she is killed.
![left 4 dead 2 witch left 4 dead 2 witch](http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/39100000/Witch-Bride-left-4-dead-2-39111500-245-400.gif)
Once she reaches her target, she is able to knock them down in a single punch (or kill a survivor with one hit if they are playing the campaign on expert). She's able to knock any other players out of her way that are in her path to her target, making melee attacks on the witch somewhat futile. Once angered, she will move at an incredibly fast speed towards the player that woke her up. When agitated, the Witch's cries become loud, terrifying shrieks. Until awakened, the Witch will weep bitterly and loudly, alerting the survivors to her presence. This lead to the phrase used to signify her activation in-game, " Startled the Witch!", becoming a metaphor among fans for doing something incredibly stupid. If left alone, the Witch will not chase after or harm the party in any way. The Witch is a rare but formidable opponent, who lays dormant until she is startled by loud noises or bright lights, or she is approached by a survivor who stands too close to her.
![left 4 dead 2 witch left 4 dead 2 witch](https://www.gamemaps.com/imgmgr/limit/img/addons/l4d2/ss/ringmaster_witch_4806_3.jpg)
The Witch is one of the special Infected classes and a unique character who resembles a thin, emaciated-looking woman.