v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Surprised p. pr. & vb. n. Surprising. ] [ From Surprise, n.: cf. F. surprendre, p. p. surpris. ] 1. To come or fall suddenly and unexpectedly; to take unawares; to seize or capture by unexpected attack. [ 1913 Webster ] Fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Isa. xxxiii. 14. [ 1913 Webster ] The castle of Macduff I will surprise. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] Who can speak The mingled passions that surprised his heart? Thomson. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To strike with wonder, astonishment, or confusion, by something sudden, unexpected, or remarkable; to confound; as, his conduct surprised me. [ 1913 Webster ] I am surprised with an uncouth fear. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] Up he starts, Discovered and surprised. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. To hold possession of; to hold. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] Not with me, That in my hands surprise the sovereignity. J. Webster. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- See Astonish. [ 1913 Webster ] |