First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1sudden
adjective sud·den \ˈsə-dən\
: happening, coming, or done very quickly in a way that is usually not expected
Full 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-dən-(n)əs\ noun
See sudden defined for English-language learners
See sudden defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SUDDEN
Related to SUDDEN
- Synonyms
- abrupt, unexpected, unanticipated, unforeseen, unlooked-for
- Antonyms
- anticipated, expected, foreseen
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>.
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
ON A SUDDEN Defined for Kids
sudden
adjective sud·den \ˈsə-dən\
Definition of SUDDEN for Kids
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.>
Learn More About SUDDEN
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: sudden deathPrevious Word in the Dictionary: SuddAll Words Near: sudden
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up sudden? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).