The word "sudden" refers to something that happens quickly and unexpectedly, often without any prior warning or indication. It denotes a rapid change or occurrence that can catch people off-guard. For example, when someone experiences a sudden change in their mood or when a storm approaches suddenly, it implies that these events arise without much notice.
The word "sudden" originates from the Middle English term "sodeyne," which itself derives from the Old French "soudain," meaning "sudden" or "unexpected." This French word is further traced back to the Latin "subitus," meaning "unexpected" or "sudden," from the verb "subire," which translates to "to come up" or "to arrive."