adj.
Pronunciation: ə - ' br ə pt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin abruptus, from past participle of abrumpere to break off, from ab- + rumpere to break ― more at REAVE
Date: 1530
1 a : characterized by or involving action or change without preparation or warning : UNEXPECTED <came to an abrupt stop> <an abrupt turn> <an abrupt decision to retire> b : unceremoniously curt <an abrupt manner> c : lacking smoothness or continuity <an abrupt transition>
2 : giving the impression of being cut or broken off especially : involving a sudden steep rise or drop < abrupt hills> <a high abrupt bank bounded the stream>
synonyms see PRECIPITATE , STEEP
– abrupt · ly \ ə - ' br ə p(t)-l ē \ adverb
– abrupt · ness \ ə - ' br ə p(t)-n ə s \ noun