surprise
Translation
to surprise, to startle, to astonish
Examples
The news surprised everyone.
The news surprised everyone.
He surprised her with a gift.
He surprised her with a gift.
Grammar Patterns
to surprise ((sb.)) to make (sb.) feel surprised The news surprised everyone.
to surprise ((sb.)) with ((sth.)) to give (sb.) an unexpected gift or do (sth.) nice for them He surprised her with a gift.
Similar Words
Synonyms: astonish, amaze, startle
Etymology
From Old French 'surprise' (an unexpected attack), from 'sur-' (over) + 'prendre' (to take). Literally 'to overtake'.
Memory Tips
Imagine someone jumping out from 'over' (sur-) a 'prize' to startle you.