surprisen.
/səˈprʌɪz/, U.S. /sə(r)ˈpraɪz/ 1. Military. The (or an) act of assailing or attacking unexpectedly or without warning, or of taking by this means; sudden attack or capture of a fort, a body of troops, etc. that is unprepared; †formerly also in more general sense, seizure (of a person, a place, or spoil).
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > attack > [noun] > sudden or surprise attack
supprise1412
surprise1457
supprising1487
alarm1548
larum1549
canvasado1581
descent1587
surprisal1591
flaw1596
canvass1611
insult1710
swoop1824
flap1916
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > [noun] > act of surprising > by an attack
surprise1457
surprising1589
surprisal1591
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > [noun] > cause of surprise > surprise attack
supprise1412
supprising1487
surprisement1613
surprise1617
surprise attack1900
1457 J. Hardyng Chron. in Eng. Hist. Rev. Oct. (1912) 747 The wynners had it all withoute surpryse.
1583 Reg. Mag. Sig. Scot. 196/2 Odiosissime et innaturalis surreptionis lie surpryis, captivitatis, restrictionis lie restraint regie persone.
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary ii. 159 Carefull watches against sallies or surprises of the Enemy.
1635 T. Heywood Hierarchie Blessed Angells ii. 81 Æneas caried his..houshold gods into Italy, after the surprise and combustion of Troy.
1645 E. Pagitt Heresiogr. 11 The surprize of Munster.
1649 Εἰκων Βασιλικη xxi. 193 Nor doe I think, that by the surprize of my Letters, I have lost any more then so many papers.
1704 J. Swift Full Acct. Battel between Bks. in Tale of Tub 270 Resolving by Policy or Surprize, to attempt some neglected Quarter of the Antients Army.
1773 Ann. Reg. 1772 129/1 Those taken prisoners in the surprize of the baggage.
1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. (at cited word) When it is found expedient to attempt a surprize in the field, a sufficient number of men must be collected for the purpose.
1879 J. A. Froude Cæsar xiv. 203 A fortified camp..capable of resisting surprises.
1879 J. A. Froude Cæsar xiv. 220 The surprise was complete: the Roman army was in confusion.
2. † c. An attack of illness; a sudden access of emotion. Obsolete.
a. gen. The (or an) act of coming upon one unexpectedly, or of taking unawares; a sudden attack. Now rare or Obsolete except as in 2b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > [noun] > act of surprising
surprise1609
stealth1611
surprisal1613
startling1645
dumbfounding1682
springing1866
1609 C. Tourneur Funerall Poeme sig. C4v Where sodaine dangers with a fierce accesse, Haue made surprise vpon him.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) v. v. 122 The guiltinesse of my minde, the sodaine surprize of my powers. View more context for this quotation
1622 R. Hawkins Observ. Voiage South Sea xxxvi. 89 Neither packe, nor chest, is free from their [sc. insects'] surprises.
1796 E. Burke Let. Dec. in Corr. (1970) IX. 169 This is no casual Errour, no lapse, no sudden surprise.
1894 H. Drummond Lowell Lect. Ascent of Man 198 What deer have to arm themselves most against is surprise.
b. to take by surprise ( †to take at a surprise): to come upon unexpectedly, take unawares; hence, to astonish by unexpectedness: = surprise v. 3, 5.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > surprise, astonish [verb (transitive)] > take by surprise
oppressa1382
susprisea1400
swikec1400
supprisec1405
catchc1425
to take (a person) at advantage(s)1523
to take (also rarely catch, find) a person tardy1530
to take tarde1547
to take (a person) short1553
to catch (also take) (a person) nappinga1576
preoccupate1582
surprise?1592
overcomea1616
to take (or catch)‥unawaresa1616
to take at a surprise1691
to catch (also take) on the hop1868
to catch (a person) bending1910
wrong-foot1957
1691 A. Gavin Observ. Journy to Naples 305 He might always be sure of his Blow, and could never be taken at a Surprize.
1704 T. Brown Cal. Reform'd in Duke of Buckingham et al. Misc. Wks. 227 To hinder the wicked from attacking you by surprize.]
1806 J. Beresford Miseries Human Life I. ii. 26 A rushy pool, which takes you by surprize.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. viii. 365 That he was taken by surprise is true. But he had twelve hours to make his arrangements.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps ii. xx. 338 This statement, I confess, took me by surprise.
1875 W. Stubbs Constit. Hist. II. xvi. 482 Richard took the kingdom by surprise.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > [noun] > sudden access of emotion
heart-quakinga1398
pang1542
heart-quake1561
heart-qualm1590
correption1659
surprise1670
thrilla1680
shock1705
thrilling1747
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > [noun] > bout or attack of
onfalleOE
cothec1000
bitc1175
accessc1300
attacha1400
shota1400
swalma1400
storm1540
excess?1541
accession1565
qualm1565
oncome1570
grasha1610
attachment1625
ingruence1635
turn1653
attack1665
fit1667
surprise1670
drow1727
tossa1732
irruption1732
sick1808
tout1808
whither1808
spell1856
go1867
whip1891
1670 W. Montagu in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 480 She..was at the time of her surprise actually intending the proposal.
1694 J. Collier Misc. iv. 26 In the heat and surprize of Passion.
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 20 An Excess of Joy, a Surprize of Joy.
3.
a. Something that takes one by surprise; an unexpected occurrence or event; anything unexpected or astonishing.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > [noun] > cause of surprise
marvelc1300
miracle1586
surprise1592
bricolea1631
surprisal1660
thunderbolt1787
startle1823
start1825
startler1829
eye-opener1833
a bolt from (or out of) the blue1837
shock1841
thunder-clap1852
startlement1867
staggerer1872
thunderstroke1880
Scarborough warning1890
surprise packet1900
bombshell1926
curveball1936
turn-up1942
a turn-up for the book(s)1948
conversation stopper1959
left turn1986
1592 Arden of Feversham iii. iii. 30 Such great impression tooke this fond surprise. God graunt this vision bedeeme me any good.
1670 C. Cotton tr. G. Girard Hist. Life Duke of Espernon iii. xii. 639 He was in Bed,..when this news came to him; and doubtless it was convenient for him, that it should find him in that posture, the better to resist so strange a surprize.
1770 S. Foote Lame Lover iii. 72 My being here was as much a surprize upon Miss Charlot as ——.
1773 J. Priestley Inst. Relig. II. 91 They are never any surprize to us.
1870 J. B. Mozley Univ. Serm. (1876) iv. 91 Surprises of this kind here..look like auguries of a greater surprise in the next world.
1879 S. C. Bartlett Egypt to Palestine iv. 97 Egypt, it has been well said, is the land of surprises.
b. spec. A fancy dish, or an ingredient of a dish, a present, or the like, designed to take one by surprise.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > ornamental or ornamented dish > [noun]
potwise?c1400
viand rialc1400
subtletya1425
subtilty1508
surtout1706
surprise1712
aigrette1870
1712 W. King Let. in Art of Cookery (ed. 2) 12 A Surprize is..a Dish..which promising little from its first Appearance, when open abounds with all sorts of Variety.
1888 Harper's Mag. Jan. 240/1 One lady..worked day and night..to achieve her various ‘surprises’.
1888 ‘J. S. Winter’ Bootle's Children xi. 80 We want you to make us a surprise to put Father's Christmas present in.
1893 Earl of Dunmore Pamirs II. 233 Plates of hot dough, with all sorts of juicy surprises inside them.
4. The feeling or emotion excited by something unexpected, or for which one is unprepared.† a. Alarm, terror, or perplexity, caused by a sudden attack, calamity, or the like. Obsolete.with a.1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 357. ¶8 Circumstances which give a delightful Surprize to the Reader.1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. ii. 31 She looked with surprise on Annette.1898 ‘H. S. Merriman’ Roden's Corner xiii. 138 Cornish..looked at the printed words with a vague surprise.phr.1927 W. E. Collinson Contemp. Eng. 117 The surprise of his lifetime.1931 Daily Express 15 Oct. 19/3 You will have the surprise of your life.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > fear > apprehension > [noun] > fright caused by alarm
frighta1325
affrayc1380
fray1398
gloppeninga1400
alarma1460
scare1548
affright1566
affrightment1593
aghastment1594
surprise1609
gastc1686
gliff1732
stew1806
stink1819
feeze1825
startlement1927
1609 W. Shakespeare Pericles xii. 15 Our lodgings..Shooke as the earth did quake:..Pure surprize and feare, made me to quite the house. View more context for this quotation
1722 D. Defoe Jrnl. Plague Year 221 I have seen them in strange Agitations and Surprises on this Account.
1758 S. Hayward Seventeen Serm. xvi. 496 Every thing..conspires to fill the soul with gloom and melancholy, nay with the greatest surprize and consternation.
1816 W. Scott Antiquary II. xii. 315 My lord has been in sic a distress, and sic seerpreese, as I ne'er saw man in my life.
b. The feeling or mental state, akin to astonishment and wonder, caused by an unexpected occurrence or circumstance. Also, in the surprise of one's life(time); cf. life n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > [noun] > feeling of surprise
startc1330
sit-up1483
glopa1500
stonishment1594
startle1603
surprisal1652
surprise1686
shock1705
turn1845
jolt1884
1686 tr. J. Chardin Trav. Persia 20 The Vizier, faigning a kind of surprise, And what, said he, Are those Gentlemen still here?
1743 R. Pococke Descr. East I. ii. v. 122 We went on to the north, the Nile running through the rocks... I ask'd them when we should come to the cataract, and to my great surprize they told me, that was the cataract.
a1763 W. Shenstone Ess. in Wks. (1765) II. 214 Surprise quickens enjoyment, and expectation banishes surprise.
1822 W. Scott Fortunes of Nigel I. x. 275 Lord Dalgarno expressed much surprise at understanding that Nigel proposed an instant return to Scotland.
1908 G. K. Chesterton Orthodoxy (1909) iii. 52 By asking for pleasure, he lost the chief pleasure; for the chief pleasure is surprise.
c. As int.: surprise, surprise: an exclamation indicating surprise. Sometimes parenthetically. Frequently in irony or sarcasm.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > exclamation of surprise [interjection]
whatOE
well, wellOE
avoyc1300
ouc1300
ay1340
lorda1393
ahaa1400
hillaa1400
whannowc1450
wow1513
why?1520
heydaya1529
ah1538
ah me!a1547
fore me!a1547
o me!a1547
what the (also a) goodyear1570
precious coals1576
Lord have mercy (on us)1581
good heavens1588
whau1589
coads1590
ay me!1591
my stars!a1593
Gods me1595
law1598
Godso1600
to go out1600
coads-nigs1608
for mercy!a1616
good stars!1615
mercy on us (also me, etc.)!a1616
gramercy1617
goodness1623
what next?1662
mon Dieu1665
heugh1668
criminy1681
Lawd1696
the dickens1697
(God, etc.) bless my heart1704
alackaday1705
(for) mercy's sake!1707
my1707
deuce1710
gracious1712
goodly and gracious1713
my word1722
my stars and garters!1758
lawka1774
losha1779
Lord bless me (also you, us, etc.)1784
great guns!1795
mein Gott1795
Dear me!1805
fancy1813
well, I'm sure!1815
massy1817
Dear, dear!1818
to get off1818
laws1824
Mamma mia1824
by crikey1826
wisha1826
alleleu1829
crackey1830
Madonna mia1830
indeed1834
to go on1835
snakes1839
Jerusalem1840
sapristi1840
oh my days1841
tear and ages1841
what (why, etc.) in time?1844
sakes alive!1846
gee willikers1847
to get away1847
well, to be sure!1847
gee1851
Great Scott1852
holy mackerel!1855
doggone1857
lawsy1868
my wig(s)!1871
gee whiz1872
crimes1874
yoicks1881
Christmas1882
hully gee1895
'ullo1895
my hat!1899
good (also great) grief!1900
strike me pink!1902
oo-er1909
what do you know?1909
cripes1910
coo1911
zowiec1913
can you tie that?1918
hot diggety1924
yeow1924
ziggety1924
stone (or stiffen) the crows1930
hullo1931
tiens1932
whammo1932
po po po1936
how about that?1939
hallo1942
brother1945
tie that!1948
surprise1953
wowee1963
yikes1971
never1974
to sod off1976
whee1978
mercy1986
yipes1989
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > exclamation of surprise [interjection] > ironical
wonders will never cease1828
surprise1953
Mary1968
1953 B. Glemser Dove on his Shoulder vi. 111 ‘Roger!’ Miss Marsh laughed. ‘Surprise! Surprise!’
1962 Times 24 Nov. 4/6 The plum Monday spot finally went—surprise, surprise—to our old friend Naked City.
1970 A. Price Labyrinth Makers xiv. 178 Surprise, surprise! I didn't expect to see you.
1978 I. Murdoch Sea 106 I gather you didn't even know Lizzie was living with Gilbert. Surprise, surprise. Everybody knew that.
1982 N. Painting Reluctant Archer vii. 124 At the end of the programme the identity of the ‘mystery accompanist’ was divulged. It was of course (surprise, surprise!) me!
5. Bell-ringing. Applied to certain complicated methods of change-ringing.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > performing music > playing instruments > bell-ringing > [adjective] > changes
surprise1874
1874 W. Banister Art & Sci. Change Ringing 16 New Doubles..may be rung by a system generally adopted by experienced ringers in surprise methods.
1874 W. Banister Art & Sci. Change Ringing 58 London Surprise Major.
1902 Encycl. Brit. XXVI. 521/2 A variety of ‘plain methods’ and ‘Treble Bob methods’, among the latter being the so~called ‘Surprise’ methods, the most complicated and difficult of all.
Compounds
C1. General attributive.
a.
surprise attack n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > [noun] > cause of surprise > surprise attack
supprise1412
supprising1487
surprisement1613
surprise1617
surprise attack1900
1900 Daily News 4 Aug. 6/1 Our surprise attacks only surprised ourselves by the thoroughness of the enemy's preparation for them.
surprise target n.
ΚΠ
1894 United Service Mag. Oct. 39 Practice at surprise targets appearing suddenly at unknown ranges.
surprise turn n.
ΚΠ
1891 C. MacEwen Three Women in Boat 72 Surprise-turns and crooked bends make you, if you know your river, as crafty as any old fox.
surprise visit n.
ΚΠ
1891 W. How in F. D. How Mem. (1898) xxiii. 323 I..paid them a surprise visit.
surprise weapon n.
ΚΠ
1946 Rep. Internat. Control Atomic Energy (Dept. of State, Washington) I. 4 This danger is accentuated by the unusual characteristics of atomic bombs, namely their devastating effect as a surprise weapon, that is, a weapon secretly developed and used without warning.
b.
surprise-free adj.
ΚΠ
1968 Listener 20 June 791/1 Kahn and Wiener flatly deny that they're making ‘predictions’: they are merely sketching ‘possible scenarios’ for the future, based on what they call ‘surprise-free projections’.
C2.
surprise packet n. a sealed packet with contents designed to surprise, sold at a trivial price; also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > [noun] > cause of surprise
marvelc1300
miracle1586
surprise1592
bricolea1631
surprisal1660
thunderbolt1787
startle1823
start1825
startler1829
eye-opener1833
a bolt from (or out of) the blue1837
shock1841
thunder-clap1852
startlement1867
staggerer1872
thunderstroke1880
Scarborough warning1890
surprise packet1900
bombshell1926
curveball1936
turn-up1942
a turn-up for the book(s)1948
conversation stopper1959
left turn1986
society > trade and finance > merchandise > [noun] > goods carried or sold in specific unit > type of packet goods
surprise packet1900
E-pack1975
1900 Westm. Gaz. 15 Sept. 3/2 There is a dash of the ‘surprise packet’—if the expression may pass—about this bulky volume.
surprise-party n. (a) a body of troops for an unexpected attack; (b) originally U.S., a party who meet by agreement at a friend's house without invitation, bringing provisions with them; also, the celebration or function itself.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > social event > social gathering > party > [noun] > other parties
play-party1796
tail1837
surprise-party1840
street party1845
costume party1850
pound party1869
all-nighter1870
neighbourhood party1870
simcha1874
ceilidh1875
studio party1875
pounding1883
house party1885
private function1888
shower1893
kitchen shower1896
kitchen evening1902
bottle party1903
pyjama party1910
block party1919
house party1923
after-party1943
slumber party1949
office party1950
freeload1952
hukilau1954
BYOB1959
pot party1959
bush party1962
BYO1965
wrap party1978
bop1982
warehouse party1988
rave1989
society > armed hostility > armed forces > the Army > group with special function or duty > [noun] > for attack > surprise party
bushmenta1535
ambushment1549
surprise-party1840
1840 C. J. Lever Charles O'Malley xlv, in Dublin Univ. Mag. Nov. 494/2 Three cavalry regiments..intended for a surprise party.
1858 H. D. Thoreau Jrnl. 9 Aug. in Writings (1906) XI. ii. 86 There are also regattas and fireworks and ‘surprise parties’ and horse-shows.
1860 O. W. Holmes Professor at Breakfast-table iv. 94 Now, then, for a surprise-party!
1872 M. S. De Vere Americanisms 236 On such an occasion friends and parishioners appear suddenly—for it is generally a surprise-party at the same time—at the parsonage.
1909 E. Nesbit Daphne in Fitzroy St. xvii. 272 I thought you'd like the surprise party. Was I wrong?
1969 N. W. Parsons Upon Sagebrush Harp xxi. 118 A vogue for surprise parties began among the English families in our community.
surprise-piece n. a part of the mechanism of a repeating watch (see quot.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > instruments for measuring time > watch > [noun] > parts of
barrel1591
motion1605
bezel1616
fusee1622
string1638
crown wheel1646
out-case1651
watch-box1656
nuck1664
watchwork1667
balance-wheel1669
box1675
dial wheel1675
counter-potence1678
pendulum-balance1680
watch-case1681
pillar1684
contrate teeth1696
pinion of report1696
watch-hook1698
bob-balance1701
half-cock1701
potence1704
verge1704
pad1705
movable1709
jewel1711
pendant1721
crystal1722
watch-key1723
pendulum spring1728
lock spring1741
watch-glass1742
watch-spring1761
all-or-nothing piece1764
watch hand1764
cylinder1765
cannon?1780
cannon1802
stackfreed1819
pillar plate1821
little hand1829
hair-spring1830
lunette1832
all-or-nothing1843
locking1851
slag1857
staff1860
case spring1866
stem1866
balance-cock1874
watch-dial1875
balance-spring1881
balance-staff1881
Breguet spring1881
overcoil1881
surprise-piece1881
brass edge1884
button turn1884
fourth wheel1884
fusee-sink1884
pair-case1884
silver bar1884
silver piece1884
slang1884
top plate1884
karrusel1893
watch-face1893
watch bracelet1896
bar-movement1903
jewel pivot1907
jewel bearing1954
1881 F. J. Britten Watch & Clockmakers' Handbk. (ed. 4) 80 The star wheel is moved by a pin in the quarter snail, or rather in the loose surprise piece underneath... The surprise then prevents the quarter rack reaching any step of the quarter snail.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1918; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
surprisev.
/səˈprʌɪz/, U.S. /sə(r)ˈpraɪz/ 1. transitive. To ‘take hold of’ or affect suddenly or unexpectedly.† a. Chiefly passive. To be seized with (or of) a desire, emotion, etc., a disease or illness. Obsolete.† b. To overcome, overpower (the mind, will, heart); to captivate. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > [verb (transitive)] > be emotionally affected by
yfeeleOE
catcha1350
feelc1450
surprise1485
relisha1616
the world > health and disease > ill health > cause to be ill [verb (transitive)] > affect or afflict
aileOE
takec1300
visitc1340
troublec1400
vex?c1425
surprise1485
vizy1488
attaintc1534
heart-burn?1537
molest1559
gar1614
possess1617
misaffect1618
corrept1657
invalid1803
1485 W. Caxton tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. lviij/1 Thenne ganellon was surprysed wyth thys fals auaryce.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Eneydos vi. 28 He shall be soo surprysed wyth angre and furyouse woodnes.
c1500 Melusine (1895) i. 10 He was so surprysed of her loue that he coude nat holde contenaunce.
1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) II. 995/2 The ruler..who surprised with lyke pride and disdaine..caused hys cappe to be hanged vp vppon a pole, chargyng..all..to do obeysance to the cappe.
1576 A. Fleming tr. P. Manutius in Panoplie Epist. 315 My mynde being surprised with sorrow.
1594 H. Plat Jewell House 17 [They] were suddenly surprised with a great loosenesse.
1611 Bible (King James) Isa. xxxiii. 14 The sinners in Zion are afraid, fearefulnesse hath surprised the hypocrites. View more context for this quotation
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary ii. 296 He was surprised with a burning Feuer.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ii. 753 All on a sudden miserable pain Surpris'd thee. View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vi. 774 Them unexpected joy surpriz'd . View more context for this quotation
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1666 (1955) III. 433 To visite Sir W: D'Oylie, surpriz'd with a fit of Apoplexie.
1720 D. Defoe Mem. Cavalier 42 Surprized with Joy at the Motion.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > mastery or superiority > have or gain mastery or superiority over [verb (transitive)] > overcome or overwhelm
overcomeeOE
overgangOE
overnimOE
overswivec1175
foldc1275
overgoc1275
to bear downc1330
oversetc1330
outrayc1390
overleada1393
overreach?a1425
overwhelmc1425
to whelve overc1440
overruna1475
surprise1474
overpress1489
surbatea1500
overhale1531
overbear1535
overcrow1550
disable1582
surgain1586
overpower1597
overman1609
to come over ——1637
to run down1655
overpower1667
compel1697
to get over ——1784
overget1877
to grab (also take) by the balls1934
1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) iii. vi. 132 So that ye wyn or drynke surpryse hym and ouercome his brayn.
1481 W. Caxton tr. Myrrour of Worlde i. v. 26 The moneye hath so surprysed them that they may extende to none other thinge.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) iii. i. 10 The eare-deaff'ning Voyce o'th'Oracle,..so surpriz'd my Sence, That I was nothing.
1621 H. Elsynge Notes Deb. House of Lords (1870) 84 I may be surprised with errour, but not corrupted.
1633 T. Adams Comm. 2 Peter (ii. 14) 900 A faire skin surprizeth a fleshly heart.
c1660 J. Evelyn Diary ann. 1620 (1955) II. 2 So..temperat, that I have heard he had never..been surpriz'd by excesse.
1676 J. Dryden Aureng-Zebe iv. 57 Pow'r like new Wine, does your weak Brain surprise.
c. absol. or intransitive.
ΚΠ
a1660 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1645 (1955) II. 348 The vapours ascend so hot, that entring with the body erect you will even faint away with excessive sweate; but stooping lower as suddaine a cold surprizes.
2. † b. gen. To capture, seize; to take possession of by force; to take prisoner. Obsolete.figurative.1592 T. Kyd Spanish Trag. iii. sig. G2v Thy tresses Ariadnes twines, Wherewith my libertie thou hast surprisde.† c. To hold in one's power, occupy. Obsolete.† d. To rescue or deliver as by force, ‘snatch’ (from something). Obsolete. rare.
a. Military, etc. To assail or attack suddenly and without warning; to make an unexpected assault upon (a place, body of troops, person, etc. that is unprepared); †to take or capture in this way.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > attack > attack [verb (transitive)] > attack suddenly
to come on ——eOE
to come upon ——c1175
to start upon ——a1393
to start on ——a1398
descend?a1425
to come down1539
surprise1548
ambuscade1676
insult1775
swoop1797
Pearl Harbour1943
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > violent behaviour > treat violently [verb (transitive)]
outragec1390
to do violence untoa1393
to lay violent hands on (or upon)a1428
to put hand(s) to (also in, on)1526
surprise1548
violate1584
violenta1661
bedevil1768
strong-arm1896
1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. ccxxijv By some gyle or engyne sodaynly to trap and surprise the erle.
1611 Bible (King James) Jer. xlviii. 41 Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised . View more context for this quotation
1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant iii. 29 His march was secret enough, though he hastened it to surprise Surrat.
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory (1905) iii. xv. 27/1 Lowe built boates..which..will strike to the sides of great shippes, and with their guns..either suddenly surprice the same or sinke it.
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 1. ⁋8 The Enemy had formed a Design to surprize two Battalions of the Allies.
1803 J. Porter Thaddeus of Warsaw (1831) ii. 16 A plan was laid for surprising and taking the royal person.
1808 W. Scott Life Dryden in Dryden's Wks. I. 206 A man, surprised in the dark and beaten by ruffians, loses no honour by such a misfortune.
1867 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest I. vi. 509 Every effort of Odo to take or surprise the Norman outpost was rendered hopeless by Norman valour.
1888 J. F. Maurice Milit. Hist. Camp. 1882 xii. 73 An army suddenly attacked within the lines which it had reckoned upon to ward off its enemy is in a military sense surprised.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > seizing > catching or capture > catch or capture [verb (transitive)]
i-lecchec1000
fang1016
hentOE
takeOE
alatchlOE
catchc1275
wina1300
to take ina1387
attain1393
geta1400
overhent?a1400
restay?a1400
seizea1400
tachec1400
arrest1481
carrya1500
collara1535
snap1568
overgo1581
surprise1592
nibble1608
incaptivate1611
nicka1640
cop1704
chop1726
nail1735
to give a person the foot1767
capture1796
hooka1800
sniba1801
net1803
nib1819
prehend1831
corral1860
rope1877
1594 W. Shakespeare Titus Andronicus i. i. 283 + 1 Treason my Lord, Lauinia is surprizde . View more context for this quotation
1606 G. W. tr. Justinus Hist. ix. 41 Some he beheaded, others banisht, and all their goods were surprised.
1606 G. W. tr. Justinus Hist. xv. 65 Surprizing the kingdome to himself.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) iv. viii. 8 Is the Traitor Cade surpris'd ? View more context for this quotation
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. iii. 94 When Nigropont, and diuerse other Iles were surprised from the Venetians.
1661 Act 13 Chas. II c. 9 §6 Ships which shall be surprised or seized as prize.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xii. 453 He [sc. Messiah]..there shall surprise The Serpent, Prince of aire, and drag in Chaines Through all his realme. View more context for this quotation
1799 R. B. Sheridan Pizarro ii. i A servant of mine, I hear is missing, whether surprised or treacherous I know not.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > have or possess [verb (transitive)] > occupy
oversiteOE
occupyc1375
obtain1482
surprise1540
garrison1645
1540 Act 32 Hen. VIII c. 24 Consideryng..that the Isle of Rhoodes..is surprised by the Turke.
1607 T. Dekker & J. Webster Famous Hist. Thomas Wyat sig. A2v With me, that in my handes, Surprise the Soueraigntie?
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > rescue or deliverance > rescue or deliver (from) [verb (transitive)] > rescue or carry off from
reavec1225
werea1500
snatcha1616
to fetch off1648
surprise1687
pluck1719
1687 London Gaz. No. 2258/2 As also in your unparalell'd Clemency, by which you have surprized your distressed Subjects from the jaws of Ruine.
3. † b. ? To ‘overtake’, anticipate. Obsolete. rare.† c. causatively. To introduce unexpectedly, ‘spring’ upon some one. Obsolete. rare.
a. To come upon unexpectedly; to take unawares; to take or catch in the act; hence figurative to find or discover (something) suddenly, to detect.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > surprise, astonish [verb (transitive)] > take by surprise
oppressa1382
susprisea1400
swikec1400
supprisec1405
catchc1425
to take (a person) at advantage(s)1523
to take (also rarely catch, find) a person tardy1530
to take tarde1547
to take (a person) short1553
to catch (also take) (a person) nappinga1576
preoccupate1582
surprise?1592
overcomea1616
to take (or catch)‥unawaresa1616
to take at a surprise1691
to catch (also take) on the hop1868
to catch (a person) bending1910
wrong-foot1957
the world > action or operation > endeavour > searching or seeking > finding or discovery > find or discover [verb (transitive)] > detect > detect (a person) in wrongdoing or predicament
finda1200
overtakea1325
takec1330
oftakea1382
overgoa1400
deprehenda1535
reprehend1538
to find out1545
surprise?1592
nail1766
pawl1859
bust1960
the world > action or operation > endeavour > searching or seeking > finding or discovery > find or discover [verb (transitive)] > find suddenly or unexpectedly
espy1483
to start up1566
strike1851
surprise1890
?1592 Trag. Solyman & Perseda ii. ii. 264 If the Gouernour Surprise me heere, I die by marshall law.
1655 tr. C. Sorel Comical Hist. Francion xii. 22 The Italian seeing himself surprized, did..intreat him to give him leave to be gone.
1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. J. Albert de Mandelslo 244 in Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors We were surprized by a calm, which kept us in the same place all that day.
1665 P. Henry Diaries & Lett. (1882) 168 A meeting at Wrexham surprisd,..some payd 5lb some went to prison for 3 months accord. to the Act.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1665 (1955) III. 397 Saw a fine Mask at Court perform'd by 6 Gent: & 6 Ladys surprizing his Majestie, it being Candlemas day.
1726 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey IV. xix. 685 Ulysses will surprize th' unfinish'd game.
1807 W. Wordsworth Ode in Poems II. 155 High instincts, before which our mortal Nature Did tremble like a guilty Thing surpriz'd . View more context for this quotation
1879 J. Grant in Cassell's Techn. Educator IV. 96/1 In order to surprise Nature in her wonders, he was wont to perambulate the garden..lantern in hand.
1880 G. Grove Dict. Music I. 202/1 (note) In the Finale..we almost surprise the change of style in the act of being made.
1886 J. Ruskin Præterita II. vi. 193 I never travelled in bad weather unless surprised by it.
1890 ‘M. Maartens’ Sin of Joost Avelingh xv He had surprised an ugly secret about a Government tender.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > the past > antecedence or being earlier > precede or come before [verb (transitive)] > anticipate or forestall
before-takea1382
preventc1425
devance1485
prevenea1500
lurch1530
to take before the bounda1556
to be aforehand with1570
to be beforehand with1574
to meet halfwaya1586
preoccupate1588
forestall1589
fore-run1591
surprise1591
antedate1595
foreprise1597
preoccupy1607
preoccupy1638
pre-act1655
anticipatea1682
obviate1712
to head off1841
beat1847
to beat out1893
pre-empt1957
1591 ‘A. Foulweather’ Wonderfull Astrol. Prognostication A 4 The effects cannot surprise the cause.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > surprise, astonish [verb (transitive)] > introduce unexpectedly
surprise1770
spring1866
1770 Ann. Reg. 1769 75/1 To support the re-election, lest any candidate in the opposite interest should have been..attempted to be surprized upon the county.
4. † a. To implicate or ensnare (a person) as by a sudden proposal or disclosure. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > snare, trap, entanglement > entrap, ensnare [verb (transitive)]
shrenchc897
beswike971
betrapa1000
bewindOE
undernimc1175
undertakec1175
bisayc1200
beguile?c1225
catchc1225
beginc1250
biwilea1275
tele?a1300
enginec1300
lime13..
umwrithea1340
engrin1340
oblige1340
belimec1350
enlacec1374
girnc1375
encumber138.
gnarec1380
enwrap1382
briguea1387
snarl1387
upbroid1387
trap1390
entrikea1393
englue1393
gildera1400
aguilec1400
betraisec1400
embrygec1400
snare1401
lacea1425
maska1425
begluec1430
marl1440
supprise?c1450
to prey ona1500
attrap1524
circumvene1526
entangle1526
tangle1526
entrap1531
mesh1532
embrake1542
crawl1548
illaqueate1548
intricate1548
inveigle1551
circumvent1553
felter1567
besnare1571
in trick1572
ensnare1576
overcatch1577
underfong1579
salt1580
entoil1581
comprehend1584
windlassa1586
folda1592
solicit1592
toil1592
bait1600
beset1600
engage1603
benet1604
imbrier1605
ambush1611
inknot1611
enmesha1616
trammela1616
fool1620
pinion1621
aucupate1630
fang1637
surprise1642
underreacha1652
trepan1656
ensnarl1658
stalk1659
irretiate1660
coil1748
nail1766
net1803
to rope in1840
mousetrap1870
spider1891
1642 H. Slingsby Diary (1836) 91 Not willing to use his old friendship..in a way to surprize his judgments.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 354 Least by some faire appeering good surpris'd She [sc. Reason] dictate false, and missinforme the Will. View more context for this quotation
1702 J. Vanbrugh False Friend v. i If I did not know he was in love with Leonora, I could be easily surprized with what he has told me.
b. To lead unawares, betray into doing something not intended.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > snare, trap, entanglement > entrap, ensnare [verb (transitive)] > into a place, action, etc.
betrayc1250
weyec1315
deceivea1375
to draw out1579
fond1628
drill1662
seduce1673
surprise1696
to rope into1859
forset1872
steer1889
1696 E. Phillips New World of Words (new ed.) To Surprise,..to lead a Man into an Error, by causing him to do a thing over hastily.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 112. ¶3 If by Chance he has been surprized into a short Nap at Sermon.
1742 Act 15 Geo. II c. 30 Persons who have the Misfortune to become Lunaticks, may..be liable to be surprised into unsuitable Marriages.
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian ii, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. I. 66 Many..whose feelings surprised them into a very natural interest in his behalf.
1873 W. Black Princess of Thule xvii. 282 He had never yet met any woman who had so surprised him into admiration.
5. absolute.1684 Earl of Roscommon Ess. Translated Verse 10 On sure Foundations let your Fabrick Rise, And with inviting Majesty surprise.1781 W. Cowper Charity 544 The turns are quick, the polish'd points surprise.1845 R. W. Hamilton Inst. Pop. Educ. ii. 30 It is..to be doubted, whether any class of society be so strictly moral [as the poor]. The statement may at first surprise.
a. To affect with the characteristic emotion caused by something unexpected; to excite to wonder by being unlooked-for. †Formerly also in stronger sense (cf. surprise n. 4a), to astonish or alarm; also, to excite to admiration. Often passive, const. at (†with) or infinitive; colloquial to be surprised at = to be scandalized or shocked at; also as a retort: you'd be surprised, the facts are not as you would think.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > surprise, astonish [verb (transitive)]
gloppena1250
abavea1400
ferlya1400
forferlya1400
supprisec1405
stonish1488
surprend1549
stagger1556
thunderbolta1586
admire1598
startle1598
thunderstrike1613
siderate1623
dumbfound1653
surprise1655
stammer1656
strange1657
astartlea1680
dumbfounder1710
knock1715
to take aback1751
flabbergast1773
to take back1796
stagnate1829
to put aback1833
to make (a person) sit up1878
to knock, lay (out), etc., cold1884
transmogrify1887
rock1947
to flip out1964
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > happen or move unexpectedly [verb (intransitive)] > cause surprise
surprise1655
backfire1902
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > feeling of wonder, astonishment > quality of inspiring wonder > cause wonder, astonish [verb (transitive)]
marvela1425
esmarvel1477
amaze?1533
wondera1561
bewondera1586
to hold at gaze1594
admire1598
wonder-maze1603
astonish1611
thunderstrike1613
surprise1655
to astonish the natives1801
emmarvel1834
zap1967
mind-blow1970
gobsmack1987
the mind > emotion > fear > quality of inspiring fear > causing physical symptoms > cause physical symptoms [verb (transitive)] > cause to start or flinch
startc1440
abraid1590
startle1598
gally1608
surprise1655
upstartlea1849
to get, have or give (someone) a skrik1887
upstart1892
jump1898
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > disapprove of [verb (transitive)] > be shocked at
to be surprised at1908
the mind > emotion > suffering > state of being upset or perturbed > state of being shocked > be shocked at [verb (transitive)]
to be surprised at1908
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > expressing surprise [phrase]
it (or that) is (was, were, etc.) no wonder1362
it is (a) wondera1400
the wonder is‥1608
you could (or might) have knocked me (etc.) down with a feather1740
think1746
for a wonder1782
to hush one's mouth1903
you'd be surprised1926
1655 Theophania 103 Alexandro acquainted him with the occasion of their coming thither, with which he was exceedingly surprised at first.
1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 248 They..have Secrets which surprize the most knowing, many thinking them to be knacks of Magick.
1692 R. L'Estrange Fables lxxi People were not so much Frighted, as they were Surpriz'd at the Bigness, and Uncouth Deformity of the Camel.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 181 I was exceedingly surpriz'd with the Print of a Man's naked Foot on the Shore.
1768 O. Goldsmith Good Natur'd Man iii. 34 You'll be surprised, Sir, with this visit.
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho IV. ix. 163 The apparition of the dead comes not..to terrify, or to surprise the timid.
1816 W. Scott Old Mortality i, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. IV. 7 Macbriar..was surprised at the degree of agitation which Balfour displayed.
1833 T. Hook Parson's Daughter III. vi. 127 ‘You surprise me.’ ‘I tell you truth,’ said George.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xii. 88 I was surprised..to find some veins of white ice.
1908 R. Bagot Anthony Cuthbert xxi. 256 And yet you talk our language well—really very well. I am agreeably surprised.
1926 G. H. Maines & B. Grant Wise-crack Dict. 16/2 You'd be surprised, admitting entire satisfaction with results.
1948 ‘J. Tey’ Franchise Affair x. 102 ‘What else could she have been doing?’..Robert bit back a ‘You'd be surprised!’
1964 ‘E. McBain’ Ax v. 82 ‘I don't think the boys would know without your knowing too.’..‘Sometimes... You'd be surprised.’
1971 ‘D. Halliday’ Dolly & Doctor Bird ii. 19 ‘The emergency situation is perhaps more frequent in medicine than in portrait-painting.’ ‘You'd be surprised,’ said the man Johnson gently.
b. intransitive for passive.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > happen or move unexpectedly [verb (intransitive)] > feel surprised
to think wonder (also ferly)lOE
to have wondera1400
admirec1429
startle1562
to think (it) strange of (or concerning)1585
to come short?1611
strange1639
to think (it) much1669
admirize1702
to go (all) hot and cold1845
to take to1862
surprise1943
not to know (or to wonder) what hit one1961
1943 Mod. Lang. Notes 58 14 They wanted to surprise me, but I don't surprise so easy.
1978 Guardian Weekly 1 Jan. 20/4 You don't drive cabs in Harlem if you surprise easily.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > preparation for table or cooking > preparation of meat > dress animals for food [verb (transitive)] > dress in specific way
hash1615
to farce together1650
fricassee1657
collarc1670
britten1688
roll1702
ragout1710
French1747
turtlea1756
fricandeau1769
haricot1769
surprise1769
1769 E. Raffald Experienced Eng. House-keeper iv. 91 A Shoulder of Mutton surprized.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1918; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1457
v.1474