abrupt

views updated Jun 11 2018

ab·rupt / əˈbrəpt/ • adj. 1. sudden and unexpected: the abrupt change of subject.2. brief to the point of rudeness; curt. ∎  (of a style of speech or writing) not flowing smoothly; disjointed.3. steep; precipitous: the abrupt double peak of the mountain.DERIVATIVES: ab·rupt·ly adv.ab·rupt·ness n.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

abrupt

views updated Jun 11 2018

abrupt †broken away or off; sudden XVI; steep XVII. — L. abruptus, pp. of abrumpere, f. AB- + rumpere break; see RUPTURE.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

More From encyclopedia.com

About this article

abrupt

All Sources -
Updated Aug 13 2018 About encyclopedia.com content Print Topic

You Might Also Like