Dictionary > Surprise

Surprise

surprise
1. To come or fall suddenly and unexpectedly; to take unawares; to seize or capture by unexpected attack. Fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. (isa. Xxxiii. 14) The castle of Macduff I will surprise. (Shak) Who can speak The mingled passions that surprised his heart? (Thomson)
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. (Shak) Up he starts, Discovered and surprised. (milton)
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. Not with me, That in my hands surprise the sovereignity. (J. Webster)
Synonym: See astonish.
Origin: From Surprise,: cf. F. Surprendre, p.p. Surpris.

Last updated on January 19th, 2021

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