— abruptly , adv. — abruptness , n.
/euh brupt"/ , adj.
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. steep; precipitous: an abrupt descent.
6. Bot. truncate (def. 4).
[ 1575-85; abruptus broken off (ptp. of abrumpere ), equiv. to ab- AB- + -rup- break + -tus ptp. suffix ]
Syn. 1, 3. quick, sharp. See sudden. 2. short, hurried, hasty, blunt. 4. discontinuous, broken, uneven.
Ant. 1, 3. gradual. 2. deliberate; patient, courteous.