sudden

/ˈsə-dᵊn/

Middle English sodain, from Anglo-French sudain, from Latin subitaneus, from subitus sudden, from past participle of subire to come up, from sub- up + ire to go

adjective

  1. happening or coming unexpectedly

  2. changing angle or character all at once

  3. marked by or manifesting abruptness or haste

a sudden shower

a sudden drop in the ocean bottom

precipitate headlong abrupt impetuous sudden mean showing undue haste or unexpectedness. precipitate stresses lack of due deliberation and implies prematureness of action. headlong stresses rashness and lack of forethought.

noun

  1. an unexpected occurrence : emergency

noun

  1. unexpected death that is instantaneous or occurs within minutes from any cause other than violence

  2. extra play to break a tie in a sports contest in which the first to score or gain the lead wins

sudden death following coronary occlusion