n.
Pronunciation: ' s ə -d ə n
Function: adjective
Etymology: 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 ― more at SUB- , ISSUE
Date: 14th century
1 a : happening or coming unexpectedly <a sudden shower> b : changing angle or character all at once <a sudden drop in the ocean bottom>
2 : marked by or manifesting abruptness or haste <a sudden departure>
3 : made or brought about in a short time : PROMPT
synonyms see PRECIPITATE
– sud · den · ly adverb
– sud · den · ness \ ' s ə -d ə n-(n) ə s \ noun