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. all of a sudden
   without warning; unexpectedly

adverb

1. poetic.
   without warning; suddenly

Derived Forms

• ˈsuddenness, noun

Other Words From

• sudden·ly adverb
• sudden·ness 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.

More idioms and phrases containing 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

"All of a sudden there was a horrendous growl and this dog came running and pounced on Alfred," Ms Gunston said.

From BBC

The next day, the creator of the chat group interrupted with a sudden warning: Someone had reported the group for violating platform rules.

From Los Angeles Times

But Tatsiana told the BBC that she did not believe the sudden reappearance of her sister for a prison visit meant she was about to be set free.

From BBC

Premier Li's death was sensitive to the party not only because it was sudden and unexpected - but also because he was the last of the old liberal wing.

From BBC

“My mother was a big smoker, and I have had quite a few experiences, not necessarily in my home, but in a hotel room or maybe a boat, and all of a sudden I smell cigarette smoke,” Moore says.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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