rupt
Latinbreak, burst
About This Root
From Latin rumpere (to break, burst). Found across everyday English — from physical breaking (rupture, erupt) to disruption of order (corrupt, interrupt, bankrupt). Prefixes determine the direction: out (erupt), in (interrupt), apart (disrupt), sudden (abrupt, literally 'broken off'). One of the most transparent Latin roots for learners.
Associated Words · 11
interrupt
To break in on an activity or person; a computer signal causing a temporary halt
corruption
Dishonest or immoral behaviour by people in power; moral decay
bankruptcy
The legal state of being unable to pay one's debts
erupt
To burst out suddenly and violently, as a volcano; to break out suddenly
disrupt
To throw into disorder; to interrupt or disturb something
corrupt
To make dishonest or immoral; dishonest and willing to accept bribes; containing errors
eruption
A violent outburst from a volcano; any sudden forceful outbreak
abrupt
Sudden and unexpected; curt in manner
bankrupt
Unable to pay one's debts; to make someone insolvent; an insolvent person
interruption
The act of breaking into or stopping an ongoing activity
rupture
A break or split; a breakdown in relations; to burst open