surprisal

[ ser-prahy-zuhl ]

noun

1. the act of surprising. surprise.
2. the state of being surprised.
3. a surprise.

Word History and Origins

Origin of surprisal¹

First recorded in 1585–95; surprise + -al ²

Example Sentences

He that receives that traitor within his gates shall too late complain of surprisal.

From Project Gutenberg

The tradition probably refers to an unsuccessful attempt at surprisal by their enemies.

From Project Gutenberg

He is so honourably merciful to women in surprisal, that only that makes him an excellent courtier.

From Project Gutenberg

Such, however, was the case, and it was attended with all the consequences of the most complete surprisal.

From Project Gutenberg

To attempt the surprisal of this isolated post, thus strongly fortified, was a perilous enterprise.

From Project Gutenberg