SURPRISE • DICCIONARIO INGLES.COM • Definition of Surprise

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/sərprˈaɪz/ /səprˈaɪz/ Listen

noun

Surprise n.

1.

The act of coming upon, or taking, unawares; the act of seizing unexpectedly; surprisal; as, the fort was taken by surprise.

2.

The state of being surprised, or taken unawares, by some act or event which could not reasonably be foreseen; emotion excited by what is sudden and strange; a suddenly excited feeling of wonder or astonishment. "Pure surprise and fear Made me to quit the house."

3.

Anything that causes such a state or emotion.

4.

A dish covered with a crust of raised paste, but with no other contents. (Obs.)

Surprise party, a party of persons who assemble by mutual agreement, and without invitation, at the house of a common friend. (U.S.)

Synonyms: Wonder; astonishment; amazement.

verb

Surprise v. t. (past & past part. surprised; pres. part. surprising)

1.

To come or fall suddenly and unexpectedly; to take unawares; to seize or capture by unexpected attack. "Fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites." "The castle of Macduff I will surprise." "Who can speak The mingled passions that surprised his heart?"

2.

To strike with wonder, astonishment, or confusion, by something sudden, unexpected, or remarkable; to confound; as, his conduct surprised me. "I am surprised with an uncouth fear." "Up he starts, Discovered and surprised."

3.

To lead (one) to do suddenly and without forethought; to bring (one) into some unexpected state; with into; as, to be surprised into an indiscretion; to be surprised into generosity.

4.

To hold possession of; to hold. (Obs.) "Not with me, That in my hands surprise the sovereignity."

Synonyms: See Astonish.

See images of 'Surprise'

Etymology of 'Surprise'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Surprise" Quotes from Famous Books

... for this expected guest, and saw him from her window. But she did not come forward immediately to greet him. She knew the Major did not like to be seen at a surprise, and required a little preparation before he cared to be visible. Pen, when a boy, had incurred sad disgrace by carrying off from the Major's dressing-table a little morocco box, which it must be confessed ...

— The History of Pendennis • William Makepeace Thackeray

... intention leaked out in two or three places, and the news was hurried North by several of the Federalist members in time to enable some of their constituents to send their ships to sea before the act was passed. Nor, probably, was it a surprise to anybody; for war with England had been the topic of debate in one aspect or another all winter, and the purpose of the party in power was plain to everybody. That the embargo was intended as a preparation for war was frankly ...

— James Madison • Sydney Howard Gay

... hardly expected to catch you by surprise, Doctor. I thought you were clever enough to realize that our boat would be equipped with an ultra-violet searchlight. However, even the best minds must rest sometimes, and yours is due for a nice long rest. In fact, I might almost prophesy that it ...

— Poisoned Air • Sterner St. Paul Meek

... the youth, draining his cup with a sigh of satisfaction. "Some time before I had bought up the mortgage on the farm without saying a word to father or mother. I was selfish, I guess, but I wanted the pleasure of their surprise." His eyes sparkled moistly. "My! it was great. It was worth every cent, although it took nearly every dollar of my little pile. You had ought to have been up there to see them the morning the mortgage ...

— The Boy Chums in the Forest - or Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades • Wilmer M. Ely

... after any body of men which might be lurking in that direction. This step was wisely taken, for a half a mile advance showed a heavy force approaching, who fired upon them with great slaughter. This force taken by surprise, was compelled to retreat, which they did in good order under a galling fire. At 6 o'clock the fire had become general along the entire front, the enemy having driven in the pickets of Gen. Sherman's division and had fallen with vengeance upon three Ohio regiments of raw recruits, ...

— Reminiscences of Pioneer Days in St. Paul • Frank Moore

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