Also spelled surprize and s’prise
Meanings
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1
noun
The feeling caused when something unexpected happens.
Imagine my surprise when I won first prize.
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2
noun
Something unexpected.
The party was a complete surprise.
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3
verb
To make someone feel surprise by doing or being something unexpected.
It surprised me that the test was so easy.
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4
verb
To come upon or catch someone when they are not expecting it.
They surprised their mother with a visit on her birthday.
Thesaurus
Common collocations
Etymology
From Middle English surprise, borrowed from Middle French surprise (“an overtake”), nominal use of the past participle of Old French sorprendre (“to overtake”), from sor- (“over”) + prendre (“to take”), from Latin super- + Latin prendere, contracted from prehendere (“to grasp, seize”). Doublet of suppli.