Abrupt | Definition of abrupt by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of ABRUPT

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>

— abrupt·ly \ə-ˈbrəp(t)-lē\ adverb

— abrupt·ness \ə-ˈbrəp(t)-nəs\ noun

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Origin of ABRUPT

Latin abruptus, from past participle of abrumpere to break off, from ab- + rumpere to break — more at reave

First Known Use: 1530

Related to ABRUPT

Synonyms: blunt, bluff, brusque (also brusk), crusty, curt, downright, short, short-spoken, snippy, unceremonious

Antonyms: circuitous, mealymouthed

Synonym Discussion of ABRUPT

precipitate, headlong, abrupt, impetuous, sudden mean showing undue haste or unexpectedness. precipitate stresses lack of due deliberation and implies prematureness of action <the army's precipitate withdrawal>. headlong stresses rashness and lack of forethought <a headlong flight from arrest>. abrupt stresses curtness and a lack of warning or ceremony <an abrupt refusal>. impetuous stresses extreme impatience or impulsiveness <an impetuous lover proposing marriage>. sudden stresses unexpectedness and sharpness or violence of action <flew into a sudden rage>.

steep, abrupt, precipitous, sheer mean having an incline approaching the perpendicular. steep implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult <a steep hill> <a steep dive>. abrupt implies a sharper pitch and a sudden break in the level <a beach with an abrupt drop-off>. precipitous applies to an incline approaching the vertical <the river winds through a precipitous gorge>. sheer suggests an unbroken perpendicular expanse <sheer cliffs that daunted the climbers>.