surprisal

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

From surprise + -al. (information measure): Defined by Myron Tribus in the 1961 book Thermostatics and Thermodynamics.

Some chuse their rooms on purpose to avoid his surprisals, and think the best commodity in them his prospect. — Microcosmography: or, a Piece of the World Discovered; in Essays and Characters, John Earle
These the Captain permitted his people to partake of, but with the greatest precaution against surprisal, one party relieving the guard, whilst the others were at their food. — The Pirate: Andrew Lang Edition, Walter Scott
She was a child, she could not tell her own heart; I had surprised her weakness, I must never go on to build on that surprisal; I must keep her not only clear of reproach, but free as she had come to me. — Catriona, Robert Louis Stevenson

surprise

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