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

Collins preserved the property until his own sudden death in 2018. —Ella Riley-Adams Jamie Sims Alice Newell-Hanson Jameson Montgomery Jameson Montgomery Caitie Kelly MacKenzie Oster, New York Times, 6 June 2024

Mandisa's autopsy report has revealed new details surrounding her sudden death earlier this year. —Daniela Avila, Peoplemag, 4 June 2024

While the immediate stability of the regime does not appear to be under major threat, the leadership vacuum left by Raisi’s sudden death could lead to significant political shifts. —Roland Oputa, The Mercury News, 30 May 2024

The sudden death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in helicopter crash on May 19 marked a momentous day for the Islamic Republic. —Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 24 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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