from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Surprise \Sur*prise"\, n. [F. surprise, fr. surprendre, surpris;
sur over + prendre to take, L. prehendere. See {Sur-}, and
{Prehensile}.]
1. The act of coming upon, or taking, unawares; the act of
seizing unexpectedly; surprisal; as, the fort was taken by
surprise.
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2. The state of being surprised, or taken unawares, by some
act or event which could not reasonably be foreseen;
emotion excited by what is sudden and strange; a suddenly
excited feeling of wonder or astonishment.
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Pure surprise and fear
Made me to quit the house. --Shak.
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3. Anything that causes such a state or emotion.
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4. A dish covered with a crust of raised paste, but with no
other contents. [Obs.] --King.
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{Surprise party}, a party of persons who assemble by mutual
agreement, and without invitation, at the house of a
common friend. [U.S.] --Bartlett.
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Syn: Wonder; astonishment; amazement.
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