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

The comic's abrupt suspension came after threats by the federal tv regulator to revoke ABC's broadcast licence, sparking nationwide debates over free speech.

From BBC

Deen’s public relations team says that the abrupt cancellation was due to “exhaustion.”

From Salon

The Late Show host Stephen Colbert pulled off a big win after his fellow nominees in the talk show category rallied behind him following his show's abrupt cancellation.

From BBC

It’s an abrupt reversal of Biden-era efforts to address climate change emissions from gasoline cars.

From Los Angeles Times

As if the line weren’t already strange and abrupt, the sentence is even more nonsensical out of context.

From Salon

Related Words

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