abrupt
The meeting ended abruptly when the fire alarm rang.
The meeting stopped suddenly and without warning because the alarm sounded.
Happening suddenly and unexpectedly, often causing surprise.
There was an abrupt change in the weather.
The weather changed suddenly and without warning.
Often implies a lack of preparation or transition.
Rude or blunt in manner; curt.
His reply was abrupt and unfriendly.
He answered in a short, rude way.
Describes a person's tone or attitude.
Having a steep or vertical face; sheer.
The road led to an abrupt cliff edge.
The road ended at a very steep, vertical drop.
Used in geography and construction contexts.
Collocations
Synonyms
Pro Tip
Distinguish from 'Sudden'
'Sudden' is neutral (just fast/unexpected). 'Abrupt' often carries a negative connotation of being jarring, rude, or incomplete.
Gold Rule
Check Context for Tone
If describing a person's speech, 'abrupt' usually means rude. If describing an event, it means sudden.
Word Origin
From Latin 'abruptus', past participle of 'abruere' meaning 'to break off' or 'to tear away'.
Usage Notes
Can describe physical objects (steep), events (sudden), or behavior (rude). Context determines which meaning is intended.