surprise definition

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)

Synonyms: See Astonish.

Origin: From Surprise,: cf. F. Surprendre, p.p. Surpris.