sudden

play

adjective sud·den \ˈsə-d^ən\

Definition of sudden

1a : happening or coming unexpectedly a sudden showerb : 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

suddenly

adverb

suddenness

play \ˈsə-d^ən-(n)əs\ noun

See sudden defined for English-language learners

See sudden defined for kids

Examples of sudden in a Sentence

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

Origin and Etymology 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

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of sudden

precipitate, headlong, abrupt, impetuous, sudden mean showing undue haste or unexpectedness. precipitate stresses lack of due deliberation and implies prematureness of action. the army's precipitate withdrawal headlong stresses rashness and lack of forethought. a headlong flight from arrest abrupt stresses curtness and a lack of warning or ceremony. an abrupt refusal impetuous stresses extreme impatience or impulsiveness. an impetuous lover proposing marriage sudden stresses unexpectedness and sharpness or violence of action. flew into a sudden rage

sudden

noun sud·den

Definition of sudden

obsolete

: an unexpected occurrence : emergency

all of a sudden

or less commonly

on a sudden

: sooner than was expected : at once

First Known Use of sudden

1558

SUDDEN Defined for English Language Learners

sudden

play

adjective

Definition of sudden for English Language Learners

: happening, coming, or done very quickly in a way that is usually not expected

SUDDEN Defined for Kids

sudden

play

adjective sud·den \ˈsə-d^ən\

Definition of sudden for Students

1 : happening or coming quickly and unexpectedly … she was startled by a sudden outburst of noise. — Robert C. O'Brien, Rats of NIMH
2 : met with unexpectedly We came to a sudden turn in the road.
3 : hasty 2 He made a sudden decision.