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.
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.
Pure surprise and fear Made me to quit the house.
--Shak.
3. Anything that causes such a state or emotion.
4. A dish covered with a crust of raised paste, but with no
other contents. [Obs.] --King.
{Surprise party}, a party of persons who assemble by mutual
agreement, and without invitation, at the house of a
common friend. [U.S.] --Bartlett.
Syn: Wonder; astonishment; amazement.