King James Bible Dictionary

SUD'DEN, adjective [Latin subitaneus.]

1. Happening without previous notice; coming unexpectedly, or without the common preparatives.

And sudden fear troubleth thee. Job 22:10.

For when they shall say, peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them. 1 Thessalonians 5:3.

2. Hasty; violent; rash; precipitate; passionate. [Not in use.]

SUD'DEN, noun An unexpected occurrence; surprise. [Not in use.]

On a sudden sooner than was expected; without the usual preparatives.

How art thou lost, how on a sudden lost!

[Of a sudden is not usual, and is less elegant.]

SUD'DENLY, adverb In an unexpected manner; unexpectedly; hastily; without preparation.

Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly Proverbs 6:15.

1. Without premeditation.

SUD'DENNESS, noun State of being sudden; a coming or happening without previous notice. The suddenness of the event precluded preparation.