sə(ɹ)ˈpɹaɪzəl səˈpɹaɪz sɚˈpɹaɪz səˈpɹaɪz səˈpɹaɪz sɚˈpɹaɪz səˈpɹaɪz the act of surprising someone cause to be surprised The news really surprised me attack by storm; attack suddenly come upon or take unawares She surprised the couple He surprised an interesting scene a sudden unexpected event the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you