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