GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   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.]
   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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   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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   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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2.       
   Sudden, adv. Suddenly; unexpectedly. [R.]
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   Herbs of every leaf that sudden flowered.
   Milton.
   
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3.       
   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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