Pronunciation: [sˈʌdən dˈɛθ] (IPA) 
"Sudden death" is spelled with two syllables: /ˈsʌdn̩/ and /dɛθ/. The first syllable is pronounced with an unstressed /ə/ sound represented by the symbol /n̩/ and the second syllable is pronounced with a voiced dental fricative /ð/ followed by a voiceless dental fricative /θ/. This phrase is commonly used to refer to a type of death that occurs unexpectedly and quickly, often in the context of sports or medical emergencies.
Sudden death refers to an unexpected and immediate, often fatal, cessation of life. It is a term commonly used in the medical, sports, and legal contexts. In medicine, sudden death usually pertains to a decease that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly, often within a short time frame and without prior indicators or warning signs. Such an occurrence could be the result of various causes, including cardiovascular events like heart attacks, arrhythmias, or ruptured blood vessels, as well as respiratory failures or other acute conditions. Sudden death may also involve non-medical circumstances, such as accidents, homicides, or suicides.
In the realm of sports, sudden death is associated with a tie-breaking method used in games or competitions where a winner must be determined. When a contest ends in a draw, sudden death rules are applied to find a victor by allowing the next team or individual to score first. This concept is often employed in sports like soccer or hockey, where overtime or additional periods are added, and the first team to score during this extended period wins the match.
Furthermore, in legal contexts, sudden death refers to situations where an individual dies unexpectedly, instigating investigations to determine the cause of death, establish any possible criminal involvement, or allocate responsibility in cases of negligence or wrongful death claims. In these instances, forensic examinations, autopsies, and legal proceedings might be undertaken to unravel the circumstances surrounding the sudden demise.
The word "sudden death" originated from the Old English term "soden deað" or "sodden deað" which means "unexpected death". The word "sodden" referred to something that is boiled or seethed, indicating the swiftness or immediacy of the death. Over time, the term evolved into "sudden death", which is currently used to describe an unexpected and immediate death, particularly in the context of competitions or games where the first person or team to score wins instantly.
