Sudden \Sud"den\, n. An unexpected occurrence; a surprise.

All of a sudden, On a sudden, Of a sudden, sooner than was expected; without the usual preparation; suddenly.

How art thou lost! how on a sudden lost! --Milton.

He withdrew his opposition all of a sudden. --Thackeray.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

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.

Sudden fear troubleth thee. --Job xxii. 10.

2. Hastly prepared or employed; quick; rapid.

Never was such a sudden scholar made. --Shak.

The apples of Asphaltis, appearing goodly to the sudden eye. --Milton.

3. Hasty; violent; rash; precipitate. [Obs.]

--Shak.

Syn: Unexpected; unusual; abrupt; unlooked-for. -- Sud"den*ly, adv. -- Sud"den*ness, n.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Sudden \Sud"den\, adv. Suddenly; unexpectedly. [R.]

Herbs of every leaf that sudden flowered. --Milton.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)