surprise

surprise [sər prīz′, sə prīz′]

vt.

surprised, surprising [ME surprysen < OFr surpris, pp. of sorprendre, to surprise, take napping < sur- (see SUR-¹) + prendre, to take (see PRIZE²)]

1. to come upon suddenly or unexpectedly; take unawares

2. to attack or capture suddenly and without warning

3.

a) to cause to feel wonder or astonishment by being unexpected

b) to present (someone) unexpectedly with a gift, etc.

c) to cause by some unexpected action to do or say something unintended [to surprise someone into an admission]

d) to bring out or elicit by such means [to surprise an admission from someone]

n.

1. Now Rare the act of surprising or taking unawares

2. an unexpected seizure or attack

3. the state of being surprised; feeling aroused by something unusual or unexpected; wonder or astonishment

4. something that surprises because unexpected, unusual, etc.

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take by surprise

1. to come upon suddenly or without warning

2. to amaze; astound

surprisedly

adv.

surpriser

n.

SYN.- SURPRISE, in this connection, implies an affecting with wonder because of being unexpected, unusual, etc. [I'm surprised at your concern ]; ASTONISH implies a surprising with something that seems unbelievable [to astonish with sleight of hand ]; AMAZE suggests an astonishing that causes bewilderment or confusion [amazed at the sudden turn of events ]; ASTOUND suggests a shocking astonishment that leaves one helpless to act or think [I was astounded by the proposal ]; FLABBERGAST is a colloquial term suggesting an astounding to the point of speechlessness