abrupt

[uh-bruhpt]

adjective

1. sudden or unexpected.

   an abrupt departure.

   Synonyms: sharp, quick
   Antonyms: gradual

2. curt or brusque in speech, manner, etc..

   an abrupt reply.

   Synonyms: blunt, hasty, hurried, short
   Antonyms: courteous, patient, deliberate

3. terminating or changing suddenly.

   an abrupt turn in a road.

   Synonyms: sharp, quick
   Antonyms: gradual

4. having many sudden changes from one subject to another; lacking in continuity or smoothness.

   an abrupt writing style.

   Synonyms: uneven, broken, discontinuous

5. steep; precipitous.

   an abrupt descent.

6. Botany.,  truncate.

abrupt

/ əˈbrʌpt /

adjective

1. sudden; unexpected

2. brusque or brief in speech, manner, etc; curt

3. (of a style of writing or speaking) making sharp transitions from one subject to another; disconnected

4. precipitous; steep

5. botany shaped as though a part has been cut off; truncate

6. geology (of strata) cropping out suddenly

Other Word Forms

• abruptly adverb
• abruptness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of abrupt¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from Latin abruptus “broken off”(past participle of abrumpere ), equivalent to ab- ab- + -rup- “break” + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of abrupt¹

C16: from Latin abruptus broken off, from _ab- ¹ + rumpere to break

Synonym Study

See sudden.

Example Sentences

Smith grew up poor, moved 12 times before fourth grade and witnessed the deaths and abrupt disappearances of many friends.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

An “epiphany,” in case you have yet to have one, is when someone encounters truths about life with which they were previously unfamiliar, thus sparking an abrupt change of perspective.

Read more on Literature

An abrupt change in the forecast means Los Angeles County now faces a chance of thunderstorms, strong winds that could topple treesand heavy rain that could bring flash flooding and mudslides in recently burned areas.

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Ambrey, another security company, said the vessel had been approached by three small boats before making an abrupt turn toward Iran’s shores.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The abrupt shift left Harvey resentful and disenfranchised.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hasty 
• hurried 
• precipitous 
• quick 
• sudden 
• surprising 
• unanticipated 
• unexpected 
• unforeseen