abrup·tion \əˈbrəpshən, aˈb-\noun (-s) Etymology: Latin abruption-, abruptio, from abruptus (past participle) + -ion-, -io -ion 1.archaic: sudden termination or interruption < abruption in a narrative > < total abruption of all relations between them > 2.: a sudden breaking off : detachment of portions from a mass < placental abruption >