sudden
Americanadjective
adverb
noun
idioms
adjective
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occurring or performed quickly and without warning
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marked by haste; abrupt
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rare rash; precipitate
noun
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archaic an abrupt occurrence or the occasion of such an occurrence (in the phrase on a sudden )
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without warning; unexpectedly
adverb
Related Words
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.
Other Word Forms
- suddenly adverb
- suddenness noun
Etymology
Origin of sudden
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Given their reputation for calm, Saturday's sudden attacks on US military bases caused widespread shock among the Gulf's diverse, expat-heavy populations.
From Barron's
"Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather," Sedaka's family posted on his Facebook page, describing him as a "true rock and roll legend."
From Barron's
There also has been a sudden bid for bonds.
From MarketWatch
They predicted the wealthy and their companies would be driven out by lockdowns, governance failures, crime and the sudden possibility of remote work.
“Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka,” the songwriter’s family wrote in a statement to the Times.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
