abrupt Hear it!

abrupt definition

abrupt (ə brupt′)

adjective

  1. coming, happening, or ending suddenly; sudden; unexpected
  2. curt or gruff in behavior or speech; brusque
  3. very steep: said as of a precipice
  4. jumping from topic to topic without proper transitions; jerky and disconnected
  5. Geol. having sudden variations in composition, form, etc.: said esp. of adjacent rock formations

Etymology: L abruptus, pp. of abrumpere, to break off < ab-, off + rumpere, to break: see rupture

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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