ETYM Latin abruptus, p. p. of abrumpere to break off; ab + rumpere to break. Related to Rupture.
1. Exceedingly sudden and unexpected.
2. Extremely steep; SYN. precipitous, sharp.
3. Marked by sudden changes in subject and sharp transitions; SYN. disconnected.
4. Surprisingly and unceremoniously brusque in manner.
All at once; abruptly: as without a period of gradual adjustment, adaptation, or withdrawal; without preparation