Dictionary

sudden death

noun

sports : a period of extra play that is added when teams or players are tied at the end of normal play and that ends as soon as one team or player scores a point or gains the lead

medical : quick and unexpected death from any cause other than violence

Full Definition of SUDDEN DEATH

1
:  unexpected death that is instantaneous or occurs within minutes from any cause other than violence <sudden death following coronary occlusion>
2
:  extra play to break a tie in a sports contest in which the first to score or gain the lead wins
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First Known Use of SUDDEN DEATH

14th century
Medical Dictionary

sudden death

noun

Medical Definition of SUDDEN DEATH

:  unexpected death that is instantaneous or occurs within minutes or hours from any cause other than violence <sudden death following coronary occlusion>; especially :  sudden cardiac death

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