'Sudden' definitions:

Definition of 'sudden'

(from WordNet)
adjective
Happening without warning or in a short space of time; "a sudden storm"; "a sudden decision"; "a sudden cure" [ant: gradual]

Definition of 'Sudden'

From: GCIDE
  • Sudden \Sud"den\, a. [OE. sodian, sodein, OF. sodain, sudain, F. soudain, L. subitaneus, fr. subitus sudden, that has come unexpectedly, p. p. of subire to come on, to steal upon; sub under, secretly + ire to go. See Issue, and cf. Subitaneous.]
  • 1. Happening without previous notice or with very brief notice; coming unexpectedly, or without the common preparation; immediate; instant; speedy. "O sudden wo!" --Chaucer. "For fear of sudden death." --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • Sudden fear troubleth thee. --Job xxii. 10. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Hastly prepared or employed; quick; rapid. [1913 Webster]
  • Never was such a sudden scholar made. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • The apples of Asphaltis, appearing goodly to the sudden eye. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Hasty; violent; rash; precipitate. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • Syn: Unexpected; unusual; abrupt; unlooked-for. [1913 Webster] -- {Sud"den*ly}, adv. -- {Sud"den*ness}, n. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Sudden'

From: GCIDE
  • Sudden \Sud"den\, adv. Suddenly; unexpectedly. [R.] [1913 Webster]
  • Herbs of every leaf that sudden flowered. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Sudden'

From: GCIDE
  • Sudden \Sud"den\, n. An unexpected occurrence; a surprise. [1913 Webster]
  • All of a sudden, On a sudden, Of a sudden, sooner than was expected; without the usual preparation; suddenly. [1913 Webster]
  • How art thou lost! how on a sudden lost! --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • He withdrew his opposition all of a sudden. --Thackeray. [1913 Webster]