Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Surprise \Sur*prise"\, n. [F. surprise, fr. surprendre, surpris;
   sur over + prendre to take, L. prehendere. See {Sur-}, and
   {Prehensile}.]
   1. The act of coming upon, or taking, unawares; the act of
      seizing unexpectedly; surprisal; as, the fort was taken by
      surprise.

   2. The state of being surprised, or taken unawares, by some
      act or event which could not reasonably be foreseen;
      emotion excited by what is sudden and strange; a suddenly
      excited feeling of wonder or astonishment.

            Pure surprise and fear Made me to quit the house.
                                                  --Shak.

   3. Anything that causes such a state or emotion.

   4. A dish covered with a crust of raised paste, but with no
      other contents. [Obs.] --King.

   {Surprise party}, a party of persons who assemble by mutual
      agreement, and without invitation, at the house of a
      common friend. [U.S.] --Bartlett.

   Syn: Wonder; astonishment; amazement.