surprise
Something that happens suddenly and is not expected, often making you feel amazed or shocked.
An event, fact, or situation that happens unexpectedly and causes feelings of shock, amazement, or wonder.
To make someone feel something unexpected, like amazement or shock.
To cause someone to feel sudden wonder, amazement, or shock by doing something unexpected.
A sudden attack on an enemy without warning.
A sudden military action taken without warning against an enemy.
- Base: surprise
- Plural: surprise, surprises
- Base: surprise
- 3rd Person Singular: surprises
- Present Participle: surprising
- Past: surprised
a bolt from the blue
1Sudden and unexpected event
Something that happens suddenly and without warning, often shocking people.
- His resignation was a bolt from the blue.
- The news of their divorce came like a bolt from the blue.
full of surprises
1Having many unexpected aspects
When something or someone keeps doing things you do not expect.
- Life is full of surprises.
- She is full of surprises; you never know what she'll do next.
spring a surprise (on someone)
1Present an unexpected event or fact
To give or tell someone something they do not expect.
- They sprang a surprise on him at the meeting.
- The teacher sprang a surprise quiz on us.
take someone by surprise
1Affect someone unexpectedly
To happen when someone is not ready and make them feel shocked or amazed.
- Her sudden question took me by surprise.
- The storm took the fishermen by surprise.