Break

/bɹeɪk/ · verb

Meaning

(ergative, transitive, intransitive) To separate into two or more pieces, to fracture or crack, by a process that cannot easily be reversed for reassembly..

Definitions by Sense

1. (ergative, transitive, intransitive) To separate into two or more pieces, to fracture or crack, by a process that cannot easily be reversed for reassembly.
2. (transitive) To divide (something, often money) into smaller units.
3. (transitive) To cause (a person or animal) to lose spirit or will; to crush the spirits of.
4. (intransitive) To be crushed, or overwhelmed with sorrow or grief.
5. (transitive) To interrupt; to destroy the continuity of; to dissolve or terminate.
6. (transitive) To ruin financially.
7. (intransitive, obsolete) To fail in business; to go broke, to become bankrupt.
8. (finance, intransitive) Of prices on the stock exchange: to fall suddenly.

Example Sentences

If the vase falls to the floor, it might break.

In order to tend to the accident victim, he will break the window of the car.

First, marinate the tofu. In a bowl, whisk the kecap manis, chilli sauce, and sesame oil together. Cut the tofu into strips about 1cm thick, mix gently (so it doesn't break) with the marinade and leave in the fridge for half an hour.

Can you break a hundred-dollar bill for me?

The wholesaler broke the container loads into palettes and boxes for local retailers.

Her child’s death broke Angela.

Interrogators have used many forms of torture to break prisoners of war.

The interrogator hoped to break her to get her testimony against her accomplices.

Synonyms for break

Antonyms for break

Related Words

Word Forms

• breaks
• breaking
• broke
• brake
• broken
• no-table-tags
• glossary
• break
• breakest
• brokest
• breaketh
• -
• breaked

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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