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sudden death
noun
1
: unexpected death that is instantaneous or occurs within minutes from any cause other than violence
sudden death following coronary occlusion
2
: extra play to break a tie in a sports contest in which the first to score or gain the lead wins
Examples of sudden death in a Sentence
We won 27–24 in sudden death.
a serious heart condition that can result in sudden death
Recent Examples on the Web
His childhood was rocked by the sudden death of a friend in a hiking accident.
—
Maria Pasquini, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Serious safety risks also include heart attacks, seizures, stroke, and sudden death.
—
Ross Phan, Pharmd, Bcacp, Bcgp, Bcps, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2025
World premiere | Debut film Twelve-year-old Eya has to face the sudden death of her beloved older brother Younès.
—
Zac Ntim, Deadline, 16 Jan. 2025
Thanks for Phan’s contributions came rolling in Tuesday from chefs, restaurateurs and civic leaders saddened by news of the chef’s sudden death.
—
Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of sudden death was
in the 14th century
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Dictionary Entries Near sudden death
Cite this Entry
“Sudden death.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sudden%20death. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
sudden death
noun
: extra play to break a tie in a sports contest in which the first to score or gain the lead wins
Medical Definition
sudden death
noun
: unexpected death that is instantaneous or occurs within minutes or hours from any cause other than violence
sudden death following coronary occlusion
especially
: sudden cardiac death
More from Merriam-Webster on sudden death
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sudden death
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