Sudden and unexpected, often in a way that feels rude or jarring.
From Latin *abruptus* meaning “broken off, steep,” from *abrumpere* “to break off,” from *ab-* “away” and *rumpere* “to break.” The idea is something that ends or changes as if snapped.
An ‘abrupt’ cliff looks like the land just broke off, and an ‘abrupt’ conversation feels like it snapped shut. The word carries that physical sense of breaking into our emotional and social lives too.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.