Sudden (?), 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.
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Sudden fear troubleth thee. Job xxii. 10.
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2. Hastly prepared or employed; quick; rapid.
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Never was such a sudden scholar made. Shak.
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The apples of Asphaltis, appearing goodly to the sudden eye. Milton.
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3. Hasty; violent; rash; precipitate. [Obs.] Shak.
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Syn. -- Unexpected; unusual; abrupt; unlooked-for.
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-- Sud"den*ly, adv. -- Sud"den*ness, n.
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Sudden, n. An unexpected occurrence; a surprise.
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All of a sudden, On a sudden, Of a sudden, sooner than was expected; without the usual preparation; suddenly.
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How art thou lost! how on a sudden lost! Milton.
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He withdrew his opposition all of a sudden. Thackeray.
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