sudden

[suhd-n]

adjective

1. happening, coming, made, or done quickly, without warning, or unexpectedly.

   a sudden attack.

   Antonyms: gradual

2. occurring without transition from the previous form, state, etc.; abrupt.

   a sudden turn.

   Antonyms: gradual

3. impetuous; rash.

4. Archaic.,  quickly made or provided.

5. Obsolete.,  unpremeditated.

adverb

1. Literary.,  without warning; suddenly.

noun

1. Obsolete.,  an unexpected occasion or occurrence.

sudden

/ ˈsʌdən /

adjective

1. occurring or performed quickly and without warning

2. marked by haste; abrupt

3. rare,  rash; precipitate

noun

1. archaic,  an abrupt occurrence or the occasion of such an occurrence (in the phrase on a sudden )

2. without warning; unexpectedly

adverb

1. poetic,  without warning; suddenly

Other Word Forms

• suddenly adverb
• suddenness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sudden¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English adjective and adverb sodain, soden, sodan(e), from Middle French soudain, from Vulgar Latin subitānus, from Latin subitāneus “going or coming stealthily,” equivalent to subitus “sudden, arising without warning” + -āneus composite adjective suffix, equivalent to -ānus + -eus; subito, -an, -eous

Word History and Origins

Origin of sudden¹

C13: via French from Late Latin subitāneus, from Latin subitus unexpected, from subīre to happen unexpectedly, from sub- secretly + īre to go

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. all of a sudden, without warning; unexpectedly; suddenly. Also on a sudden

see all of a sudden.

Synonym Study

Sudden, unexpected, abrupt describe acts, events, or conditions for which there has been no preparation or gradual approach. Sudden refers to the quickness of an occurrence, although the event may have been expected: a sudden change in the weather. Unexpected emphasizes the lack of preparedness for what occurs or appears: an unexpected crisis. Abrupt characterizes something involving a swift adjustment; the effect is often unpleasant, unfavorable, or the cause of dismay: He had an abrupt change in manner. The road came to an abrupt end.

Example Sentences

And all of a sudden, I had a voice.”

From Los Angeles Times

Earlier this year, a sudden outbreak of botulism across England left dozens of young women in hospital, some partially paralysed, after being injected with black-market Korean toxin sold by beauticians as a Botox-style treatment.

From BBC

She got home, took a shower, and was hit by a sudden wave of inspiration.

From BBC

Local clubs had not been geared up for the sudden rush of Jonny Wilkinson wannabes that descended on them after his drop-kick landed World Cup glory.

From BBC

In her book, Harris recounts the hours after Biden’s sudden withdrawal, when she began telephoning top Democrats around the country to lock in their support.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abrupt 
• hasty 
• immediate 
• precipitous 
• quick 
• rapid 
• swift 
• unforeseen 
• unusual