adjective
abrupt
uh-BRUPT/əˈbrʌpt/
Changing sharply without a gradual transition.
The man's abrupt departure leaves his companion surprised and still gesturing.
Etymology
The image is of something “broken off.” Applied figuratively to actions or speech, that lack of continuity gives abrupt its sense of suddenness or unceremonious brevity.
In context
earth swelled the entire quarry proves that the site could be tens of thousands of years ago, placing it in the pre-diluvian era. This could also explain the sudden and abrupt abandonment of the quarry.
More examples
- The bus came to an abrupt stop.
- Her abrupt reply surprised the visitor.
- A fence protects hikers from the abrupt drop.
Forms
abrupt · more abrupt · most abrupt
Similar words
- steep
- Steep describes a sharp incline without suggesting a sheer edge.
- precipitous
- Precipitous emphasizes an extremely steep slope that may be dangerous.
- sheer
- Sheer describes a face that is nearly or completely vertical.