to cause someone to feel sudden wonder or disbelief because something is not expected
The sudden rainstorm surprised the hikers on the trail.
Her excellent memory always surprises her classmates.
feeling or showing sudden wonder because something unexpected has happened
The children looked surprised when the magician pulled a rabbit from his hat.
Maria was surprised to see snow falling in April.
✦ Formed from the past participle of the verb “surprise,” first used as an adjective in the 17th century.
to move upward or go to a higher position
The hot air balloon began to rise above the fields.
Thick smoke rose from the chimney into the clear winter sky.
✦ Old English rīsan, of Germanic origin, related to German reisen “to travel.”
to get up from lying, sitting, or sleeping
She rose early to catch the first train.
Please rise when the judge enters the courtroom.
to increase in amount, number, or level
The price of bread rose again last week.
Temperatures are expected to keep rising throughout the afternoon.
to become successful, powerful, or important
She quickly rose to the position of manager.
The singer’s new album helped him rise to fame.
to come together in protest or rebellion against authority
The villagers arose against the tyrant and marched toward the castle.
Should injustice arise, people must speak out.
✦ Extended sense of standing up: “to rise up in arms” recorded since the 14th century.
past tense of rise: to move upward, get higher, or get up from a lower position
The sun rose above the mountains at six o'clock.
He rose from his chair to greet the guests.
causing a feeling of wonder because it is not what was expected.
It was surprising how quickly the snow melted in the morning sun.
The movie had a surprising twist at the end that made everyone gasp.
✦ Present participle of the verb “surprise,” first recorded in the late 17th century as an adjective meaning “unexpected.”
to give someone the legal power or official right to do something
The manager authorised her assistant to sign the delivery receipts.
Doctors are authorised to prescribe the medication only after thorough tests.
✦ Same as US sense but British spelling.
