Meaning & Definition of Surprise in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A cause of astonishment or amazement.

  Example Sentence: The party was a complete surprise to her.

• Definition: An unexpected event.

  Example Sentence: He received a surprise when he opened the box.

• Definition: To cause someone to feel shock or astonishment.

  Example Sentence: They surprised him with a birthday cake.

• Definition: An act of causing someone to feel surprised.

  Example Sentence: The surprise of the event left everyone speechless.

Etymology

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

Synonyms

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.

Translations

• Spanish: sorpresa

• French: surprise

• German: Überraschung

• Russian: сюрприз

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.