(a) Happening all at once, appearing or occurring suddenly; of a disease, morbid condition, etc.: developing quickly, appearing spontaneously; of a change: abrupt; ~ drede (fer, gastnesse), sudden fear, panic; (b) unexpected, unforeseen, not prepared for; of an army: appearing unexpectedly, unlooked for; ~ ded (deth), unexpected death; (c) happening without delay, swiftly ensuing; immediate, prompt, speedy; ~ deth, summary death; on (upon) ~ deth dien, to die a speedy death; (d) of a person: acting without forethought, rash; of an act: unpremeditated, impetuous; of anger, a feud, judgment: hasty, reckless; (e) of a turn in a path: abrupt, sharp; (f) momentary, transitory; (g) of ~ aventure, accidentally, by mere chance; (h) as noun: violence, violent action; (i) in proverbs.