Unexpected attack by a military force. Cf. surprise, n. 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…

The action of supprise, v.; esp. unexpected attack by a military force. Also: an instance of this.

A sudden or unexpected attack necessitating the raising of an alarm and a rush to arms; a surprise attack; an assault. Also figurative. Obsolete.

A sudden or unexpected attack necessitating the raising of an alarm and a rush to arms. Cf. alarm, n. 9. Obsolete. rare.

A sudden attack.

Often with on or upon. A sudden hostile invasion or attack, esp. from the sea, or from high ground. Cf. descend, v. 9a.

= surprise, n. 1.

figurative. A sudden rush or onset; a burst of feeling or passion; a sudden uproar or tumult. Obsolete.

A shock; esp. that of a sudden attack or surprise. Cf. canvasado, n.

Military. An open and sudden attack or assault without formal preparations: cf. insult, v. 4b (obsolete).

A sudden descent, as by a body of troops, esp. upon something which it is intended to seize.

colloquial. figurative. A state of worry, agitation, fuss, or excitement. Esp. in phrases, to be in, get in(to), a flap. Also spec., an alert…