sudden

¹sud·den

adjective \ˈsə-d^ən\

Definition of SUDDEN

1

a : happening or coming unexpectedly <a sudden shower>

b : changing angle or character all at once <a sudden drop in the ocean bottom>

2

: marked by or manifesting abruptness or haste <a sudden departure>

3

: made or brought about in a short time : prompt

— sud·den·ly adverb

— sud·den·ness \ˈsə-d^ən-(n)əs\ noun

Examples of SUDDEN

1. a sudden change in temperature
2. Sudden fame can be difficult to deal with.
3. She had a sudden urge to be outside.
4. His death was very sudden.
5. a sudden turn in the road
6. I was surprised by her sudden decision to quit.
7. The director's sudden departure leaves the organization's future uncertain.

Origin of SUDDEN

Middle English sodain, from Anglo-French sudain, from Latin subitaneus, from subitus sudden, from past participle of subire to come up, from sub- up + ire to go — more at sub-, issue

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to SUDDEN

Synonyms

abrupt, unexpected, unanticipated, unforeseen, unlooked-for

Antonyms

anticipated, expected, foreseen

Related Words

unintended, unplanned; improbable, unlikely; startling, surprising

Near Antonyms

predicted, prophesied; unsurprising

See Synonym Discussion at precipitate

²sudden

noun

Definition of SUDDEN

obsolete

: an unexpected occurrence : emergency

— all of a sudden also on a sudden

: sooner than was expected : at once

First Known Use of SUDDEN

1558