Take by surprise is an expression that means to shock or STARTLE someone with an unexpected event. The crossword solutions for this term are AMBUSH (6 letters), STUN (4 letters), STARTLE (7 letters), Sneakupon (9 letters), and Throwacurve (11 letters). AMBUSH is a tactic used in warfare where one side lies in wait to attack the other. STUN is to cause someone to become temporarily unable to move or think. STARTLE is to surprise someone suddenly and cause them to jump. Sneakupon is to approach someone without them noticing. Throwacurve is to do something unexpected.