SUDDEN


Meaning of SUDDEN in English

I. ˈsə-d ə n 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 ˈsə-d ə n-(n)əs noun

II. noun

Date: 1558

obsolete : an unexpected occurrence : emergency

- all of a sudden

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.