abrupt

/ə'brʌpt/
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abrupt

The conversation came to an abrupt stop.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Surprisingly and unceremoniously brusque in manner: Describes speech or behavior that is unexpectedly blunt, curt, or rude, without politeness or warning.
    • Extremely steep: Describes a physical slope, drop, or incline that is very sharp, severe, or almost vertical.
    • Exceedingly sudden and unexpected: Describes an event, change, or stop that happens without warning, very quickly, and surprisingly.
    • Marked by sudden changes in subject and sharp transitions: Describes writing or speech that lacks smooth connections, jumping suddenly from one idea to another.
Usage Examples
  • Adjective (Brusque Manner):
    • His abrupt manner made the interview very uncomfortable.
    • She gave an abrupt "no" and ended the call.
  • Adjective (Extremely Steep):
    • The trail ended at an abrupt cliff edge.
    • We were careful driving down the abrupt descent.
  • Adjective (Sudden and Unexpected):
    • The meeting came to an abrupt end when the fire alarm sounded.
    • There has been an abrupt shift in the company's policy.
  • Adjective (Sharp Transitions):
    • The author's abrupt style can be difficult to follow.
    • The conversation was full of abrupt jumps from topic to topic.
Advanced Usage
  • "abrupt with someone": To be curt or brusque in dealing with a specific person.
    • The manager was unusually abrupt with the new intern.
  • In geological/geographical contexts: Often used to describe dramatic natural features.
    • The abrupt canyon walls were formed by centuries of erosion.
Variants and Related Words
  • Abruptly (adverb): In a sudden and unexpected manner.
    • The car stopped abruptly.
  • Abruptness (noun): The quality of being sudden or curt.
    • The abruptness of his departure shocked everyone.
Synonyms
  • Sudden: Happening quickly and without warning.
  • Curt: Rudely brief in speech or manner.
  • Precipitous: Dangerously high or steep (similar to the "steep" meaning).
  • Brusque: Abrupt and blunt in manner.
Antonyms
  • Gradual: Taking place slowly over time.
  • Gracious: Courteous, kind, and pleasant.
  • Gentle: Mild or moderate; not steep or harsh.
Related Phrases and Idioms
  • To come to an abrupt halt/end: To stop suddenly and completely.
    • The party came to an abrupt halt when the neighbors complained.
  • An abrupt about-face: A very sudden and complete reversal of opinion, policy, or direction.
    • The government did an abrupt about-face on its tax proposal.
abrupt

The conversation came to an abrupt stop.

Adjective
  1. surprisingly and unceremoniously brusque in manner
    • an abrupt reply
  2. extremely steep
    • an abrupt canyon
    • the precipitous rapids of the upper river
    • the precipitous hills of Chinese paintings
    • a sharp drop
  3. exceedingly sudden and unexpected
    • came to an abrupt stop
    • an abrupt change in the weather
  4. marked by sudden changes in subject and sharp transitions
    • abrupt prose