Meaning & Definition of word "Surprise"

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    Surprise

    /sərˈpraɪz/

    noun:

    • 1. a feeling of shock or astonishment caused by something unexpected.
      • Example: The surprise at the party left her speechless.
    • 2. an unexpected event that causes astonishment.
      • Example: The surprise was revealed when he opened the box.
    • 3. an act of surprising someone.
      • Example: They planned a surprise for her birthday.

    verb:

    • 1. to take someone unawares.
      • Example: He was surprised by the sudden rain.
    • 2. to cause someone to feel astonishment.
      • Example: The news of their engagement surprised everyone.

    Etymology

    Middle English, from Old French 'surprendre', meaning 'to take over, seize; take by surprise'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    surprise party:

    A party organized as a surprise.

    surprise ending:

    An unexpected conclusion to a story.

    surprise visit:

    An unannounced visit.

    Related Words

    astonish:

    To fill with sudden wonder.

    unexpected:

    Not expected.

    reveal:

    To make something known that was previously hidden.

    Slang Meanings of surprise

    Meaning: Gotcha

    Example Sentence: When she walked in, I was like, 'Gotcha!'

    Meaning: Plot twist

    Example Sentence: The movie had a serious plot twist that left everyone surprised.