SURPRISE
verb
Synonyms
See Astonish.
Definitions
- 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. [Obs.] Not with me, That in my hands surprise the sovereignity. J. Webster.
Other Definitions
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Added: October 09, 2025
Updated: October 09, 2025