Sudden flood cut short argument (4)
I believe the answer is:
spat
'argument' is the definition.
(a spat is a disagreement or argument)
'sudden flood cut' is the wordplay.
'sudden flood' becomes 'spate' (spate can mean a flood or influx).
'cut' means to remove the last letter.
'spate' with its final letter taken away is 'SPAT'.
'short' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for spat that I've seen before include "Made gesture of contempt" , "Minor difference" , "Petty quarrel - gaiter" , "Old-fashioned legwear" , "Minor argument" .)