Surprise (Verb)
Meaning 1
Attack by storm; attack suddenly.
Classification
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities.
Examples
- The commandos moved stealthily to surprise the enemy garrison with a pre-dawn assault.
- A group of partisan fighters attempted to surprise the advancing army column, but their ambush failed.
- Lieutenant James led his squadron to surprise a larger enemy force camping in a mountain valley.
- The guerrilla unit launched a stealthy operation to surprise the night security patrol.
- Enemy forces managed to surprise the complacent garrison of the small coastal town with an amphibious attack.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
Come upon or take unawares; "She surprised the couple"; "He surprised an interesting scene".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- The police surprised the thieves while they were breaking into the store.
- She surprised her best friend by arriving at her birthday party unexpectedly.
- The traveler surprised a family of deer on the quiet mountain trail.
- The captain surprised a group of his soldiers chatting instead of being on duty.
- The architect surprised a hidden room that had been sealed off for decades.
Hypernyms
Related Words
Meaning 3
Cause to be surprised; "The news really surprised me".
Classification
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting.
Examples
- The plot twist in the movie really surprised me.
- Her sudden resignation surprised everyone in the company.
- The small child's artistic talent surprised both of his parents.
- The unexpected visit from my old friend surprised the whole family.
- The news of the concert being cancelled surprised the fans who were waiting outside.