Nearby Words
adjective
1.
sudden or unexpected: an abrupt departure.
2.
curt or brusque in speech, manner, etc.: an abrupt reply.
3.
terminating or changing suddenly: an abrupt turn in a road.
4.
having many sudden changes from one subject to another; lacking in continuity or smoothness: an abrupt writing style.
5.
EXPANDsteep; precipitous: an abrupt descent.
Origin:
1575–85; < Latin abruptus broken off (past participle of abrumpere), equivalent to ab- ab- + -rup- break + -tus past participle suffix
1575–85; < Latin abruptus broken off (past participle of abrumpere), equivalent to ab- ab- + -rup- break + -tus past participle suffix
Related forms
ab·rupt·ly, adverb
ab·rupt·ness, noun
un·ab·rupt·ly, adverb
Synonyms
1, 3. quick, sharp. See sudden. 2. short, hurried, hasty, blunt. 4. discontinuous, broken, uneven.
1, 3. quick, sharp. See sudden. 2. short, hurried, hasty, blunt. 4. discontinuous, broken, uneven.
Antonyms
1, 3. gradual. 2. deliberate; patient, courteous.
1, 3. gradual. 2. deliberate; patient, courteous.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
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Abrupt
is always a great word to know.
So is abdomen. Does it mean:
| to take within a body, to soak up or internalize |
| part of the body of a mammal between the thorax and the pelvis |
Example Sentences
- Gradual steps should be taken to avert an abrupt crisis.
- This abrupt event shows how a relatively small occurrence—such as a slight slide in rainfall—may have a tremendous impact.
- That left them very vulnerable to any abrupt change in sentiment.
Collins
World English Dictionary
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
abrupt
1580s, from L. abruptus "broken off, precipitous, disconnected," pp. of abrumpere "break off," from ab- "off" + rumpere "break" (see rupture). Related: Abruptly.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Cite This Source
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