abrupt
abrupt definition
abrupt (ə brupt′)
adjective
- coming, happening, or ending suddenly; sudden; unexpected
- curt or gruff in behavior or speech; brusque
- very steep: said as of a precipice
- jumping from topic to topic without proper transitions; jerky and disconnected
- 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:
- abruptly abrupt′·ly adverb
- abruptness abrupt′·ness noun
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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