abrupt

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Broken away (from restraint).

2. 2

   Without notice to prepare the mind for the event

   Without notice to prepare the mind for the event; sudden; hasty; unceremonious.

   • The party came to an abrupt end when the parents of our host arrived.
   • The cause of your abrupt departure.
   • There was something in this abrupt allusion to the treasured and hidden past, that at once shocked and silenced Norbourne. He was annoyed to find that his heart's sweetest secret was in the possession of one so little likely to keep it;...
3. 3

   Curt in manner.

4. ›+ 7 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      Having sudden transitions from one subject or state to another

      Having sudden transitions from one subject or state to another; unconnected; disjointed.

      • The abrupt style, which hath many breaches.
   2. 5

      Broken off.

   3. 6

      Extremely steep or craggy as if broken up

      Extremely steep or craggy as if broken up; precipitous.

      • The mazy-running brook Forms a deep pool; this bank abrupt and high.
      • To the north the towering scree-strewn slopes of Saddleback begin to draw nearer as we start the abrupt descent towards Keswick.
   4. 7

      Suddenly terminating, as if cut off

      Suddenly terminating, as if cut off; truncate.

      • Root oblong, blackish, nearly the thickness of the little finger, often growing obliquely; abrupt at the lower end, so as to appear as if bitten off, furnished with long whitish fibres.
   5. 8

      To tear off or asunder.

      • Till death abrupts them.
   6. 9

      To interrupt suddenly.

   7. 10

      Something which is abrupt

      Something which is abrupt; an abyss.

      • Over the vast abrupt.

The neighborhood

• synonymsudden