Abrupt

/əˈbrʌpt/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Sudden and unexpected.

The meeting came to an abrupt end when the fire alarm went off.

Rudely brief or curt in manner.

His abrupt reply took her by surprise.

Steep or sharp in rise or fall.

The mountain trail had an abrupt incline that challenged even the most experienced hikers.

Late Middle English: from Latin abruptus, from ab- 'away from' + ruptus 'broken'.

abrupt change

A sudden and unexpected alteration.

abrupt ending

A conclusion that occurs suddenly without warning.

sudden

Happening or done quickly and unexpectedly.

curt

Rudely brief in speech or abrupt in manner.

steep

Rising or falling sharply.