Abruptly
/əˈbrʌptli/
Meaning & Definition
adverb
In a sudden and unexpected manner.
The meeting ended abruptly without any warning.
In a curt or brusque manner; rudely.
He responded abruptly, cutting off the conversation.
In a steep or hasty manner.
The car came to an abrupt stop at the red light.
In a way that lacks smoothness or gradualness.
The temperature dropped abruptly as the sun set.
Etymology
From the Latin 'abruptus', meaning 'broken off, steep'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
cut off abruptly
To stop something suddenly.
end abruptly
To conclude without warning.
turn abruptly
To change direction suddenly.
Related Words
abrupt
Sudden and unexpected in effect or action.
abruptness
The quality of being abrupt or sudden.
Slang Meanings
Out of the blue
He showed up out of the blue, disrupting the flow.
Cold turkey
She quit her job cold turkey, leaving everyone abrupt.