Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Surprisal · Sur·pris·al · IPA /sə(ɹ)ˈpɹaɪzəl/ 01 n. The act of surprising, or state of being surprised; surprise. 1. The act of surprising, or state of being surprised; surprise. “How to secure the lady from surprisal.” — Milton. “Because death is uncertain, let us prevent its surprisal.” — Barrow.