surprendre/syʁ.pʁi/
verb · A2 · Frequency 1047
verb
Meanings
to surprise, to astonish
Basic and very frequent meaning, used when someone is made to feel surprised or astonished.
to catch someone unawares, to take someone by surprise
Emphasizes that the person is unprepared and taken by surprise by an event, situation or action.
to catch in the act
Often used when someone is caught in the middle of an improper or secret action, similar to “to catch someone in the act” or “to catch someone red-handed.”
Examples
J'ai surpris tout le monde en annonçant ma démission.
I surprised everyone by announcing my resignation.
La question inattendue a surpris le candidat pendant l'entretien.
The unexpected question caught the candidate off guard during the interview.
La police a surpris les cambrioleurs en plein travail.
The police caught the burglars in the act.