- From Surprisen.: cf. F. surprendre, p. p. surpris
- To come or fall suddenly and unexpectedly; to take unawares; to seize or capture by unexpected attack.Fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites.The castle of Macduff I will surprise.Who can speak The mingled passions that surprised his heart?
- To strike with wonder, astonishment, or confusion, by something sudden, unexpected, or remarkable; to confound; as, his conduct surprised me.I am surprised with an uncouth fear.Up he starts, Discovered and surprised.
- To lead (one) to do suddenly and without forethought; to bring (one) into some unexpected state; -- with into; as, to be surprised into an indiscretion; to be surprised into generosity.
- To hold possession of; to hold.ObsNot with me, That in my hands surprise the sovereignity.See Astonish.
