kushtukiza

How to say it

Meaning

To do something to someone without warning, so that they are caught unprepared. After -a it describes something sudden or unannounced, such as a surprise visit or a counterattack.

Good to know

The causative of kushtuka, to be startled. Most common after -a: ziara ya kushtukiza, a surprise visit; ukaguzi wa kushtukiza, a spot check; shambulizi la kushtukiza, a surprise attack or, in football, a counterattack.

Examples

• Mkuu wa mkoa alifanya ziara ya kushtukiza hospitalini.The regional commissioner made a surprise visit to the hospital.
• Walimshtukiza kwa sherehe ya siku ya kuzaliwa.They surprised her with a birthday party.
• Timu ilifunga bao kupitia shambulizi la kushtukiza.The team scored a goal from a counterattack.