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Definition of abrupt

abrupt

/əˈbrʌpt/
ab · rupt
Adverb:abruptly
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abrupt Lexical Profile

abrupt Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Sudden and unexpected, often in an unpleasant or jarring way.

Example

"The negotiations came to an abrupt halt when the two parties could not agree on the financial terms."

2

Brief to the point of rudeness; curt or brusque in manner or speech.

Example

"He gave an abrupt reply to the journalist's question and walked out of the room."

3

Very steep, precipitous, or sheer in slope or angle.

Example

"The hiking trail ended at an abrupt cliff overlooking the rocky coastline."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for abrupt

• Nearby Words

abridgment
abroad
abronia
abrupt
abruptly
abruptness
abscess

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Latin 'abruptus' ('broken off, steep, precipitous'), the past participle of 'abrumpere', formed from 'ab-' ('off, away from') and 'rumpere' ('to break').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Abrupt. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/abrupt
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