I. əˈbrəpt, also (ˈ)a|b- adjective
( sometimes -er/-est )
Etymology: Latin abruptus, from past participle of abrumpere to break off, from ab- ab- (I) + rumpere to break — more at reave
1. : broken off : suddenly terminating as if cut or broken off
short and abrupt plant filaments
2.
a. : characterized by or producing the effect of a sharp break or sudden ending
act with abrupt decision
: unexpected
at abrupt intervals in the performance
b. : unceremoniously curt
abrupt in manner
c. : lacking transition from one subject to another : disconnected
an abrupt literary style
3. : rising or dropping sharply as if broken off : precipitous , steep
an abrupt peak rising from the ocean
• abrupt·ness noun -es
Synonyms: see precipitate , steep
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
archaic : to break off
let brazen bands abrupt their din — W.H.Auden
: separate