surprise

intj

Etymology: 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.

1. Drawing attention to a surprising action by oneself.

   “"Surprise!" we shouted as we jumped out from the cupboard. "Happy birthday!"”

2. Drawing attention to something that should have been obvious.

   “When we add code modules, we will have an additional folder called (surprise!) Modules.”

name

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noun

Etymology: 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.

1. Something unexpected.

   “It was a surprise to find out I owed twice as much as I thought.”

   “It came as a surprise when he succeed.”

2. Something unexpected.

   “After the housecleaners drove off, the cat left a surprise for us on the carpet.”

3. The feeling that something unexpected has happened.

   “Imagine my surprise on learning I owed twice as much as I thought I did.”

   “The story struck the depressingly familiar note with which true stories ring in the tried ears of experienced policemen.[…]The second note, the high alarum, not so familiar and always important since it indicates the paramount sin in Man’s private calendar, took most of them by surprise although they had been well prepared.”

verb

Etymology: 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.

1. To cause (someone) to feel unusually alarmed or delighted by something unexpected.

   “It surprises me that I owe twice as much as I thought I did.”

2. To do something to (a person) that they are not expecting, as a surprise.

   “He doesn’t know that I’m in the country – I thought I’d turn up at his house and surprise him.”

3. To undergo or witness something unexpected.

   “He doesn’t surprise easily.”

4. To cause surprise.
5. To attack unexpectedly.
6. To take unawares.

   “"You were right," replied Isabella, "and I should not have surprised your confidence, had I not had something I wished to say. I know what you mean to do with Mr. Glentworth's gift—a marriage would scarcely be one without wedding-dresses—he has been equally generous to me, and you must keep the money till it is wanted, which, I hope, will be soon."”