Main Entry:

¹sur·prise

Variant(s):

also sur·prize \sə(r)-ˈprīz\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English suppryse exaction, seizure, from Anglo-French sousprise, supprise, from feminine of supris, surpris, suspris, past participle of surprendre & susprendre to capture, take by surprise, from sur- & sus-, suz under + prendre to take — more at prize, sous

Date:

15th century

1 a: an attack made without warning b: a taking unawares2: something that surprises3: the state of being surprised : astonishment