Main Entry: ¹sud·den

Pronunciation: \ˈsə-d^ən\

Function: adjective

Etymology: 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

Date: 14th century

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

synonyms see precipitate

— sud·den·ly adverb

— sud·den·ness \ˈsə-d^ən-(n)əs\ noun