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surprise

n. · v. · interj.
US //səˈpɹaɪz// UK //səpɹˈaɪz// sur·prise
  1. 1 the feeling (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the feeling you have when something happens that you did not expect.

    the emotional state or sensation of astonishment caused by an unexpected event.

    Example

    To my surprise, the shop was already open when I arrived early.

    Example

    Much to the surprise of the researchers, the initial data suggested a correlation that contradicted their primary hypothesis.
  2. 2 an unexpected event (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    an event, gift, or piece of news that you did not expect.

    an unexpected or astonishing event, fact, or thing.

    Example

    I have a little surprise for you in the car.

    Example

    The sudden resignation of the prime minister came as a complete surprise to the political establishment.
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  1. 3 to amaze someone (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to do something that someone does not expect, often making them feel happy or shocked.

    to cause someone to feel mild astonishment or shock by acting unexpectedly.

    Example

    We managed to surprise her with a beautiful birthday cake.

    Example

    The company's decision to double its annual dividend surprised even the most optimistic market analysts.

    Usage

    This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
  2. 4 to catch unawares (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to find or attack someone when they are not prepared.

    to encounter, attack, or discover someone unexpectedly or without warning.

    Example

    The sudden rainstorm surprised the hikers while they were on the ridge.

    Example

    The enemy forces were surprised in their camp before they had time to organize a proper defense.
  3. 5 sarcastic obviousness (interj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Humorous

    a word used to show you are not shocked because something was very obvious.

    a sarcastic exclamation used to indicate that a supposedly unexpected event was actually predictable.

    Example

    He forgot his keys again. Surprise, surprise.

    Example

    The billionaire avoided paying taxes for the tenth year in a row—surprise, surprise.

Origin

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.

Idioms2 entries

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