Break down

/ˈbɹeɪkdaʊn/ · noun

Meaning

(countable) A failure, particularly one which is mechanical in nature..

Definitions by Sense

1. (countable) A failure, particularly one which is mechanical in nature.
2. (countable) Something, such as a vehicle, that has experienced a mechanical failure.
3. (uncountable) Separation of a thing into components; decomposition, fragmentation; (countable) an instance of this.
4. A failure in a relationship; a failure or loss of organization in a system.
5. (Sudden) worsening of physical health or (more commonly) mental stability, resulting in an inability to carry on normal activities; (countable) an instance of this.
6. Injury to a horse's leg causing lameness; (countable) an instance of this.
7. The short period of open play immediately after a tackle and before and during the ensuing ruck.
8. An act of splitting logs of wood using a large saw in a sawmill; also, the saw used; or (rare) the building in which the process is carried out.

Example Sentences

Whenever he was behind the wheel, he would panic at the first sign of a breakdown.

He declared that these drastic steps would undoubtedly inconvenience a good many people, but the alternative was bankruptcy of the Ulster Transport Authority and the breakdown of public transport services.

We saw a breakdown by the side of the road.

I am quite competent to answer all / Demands, in any such capacity— / But of the break-down of my general aims: […]

What else than Feudalism could have followed upon the breakdown of that great centralized governmental machine known as the Roman Empire?

After so much stress, he suffered a breakdown and simply gave up.

[H]e was led away to a private sanitarium for mental disease, while in the newspapers appeared pathetic accounts of his mental breakdown and of the saintliness of his character.

England beat Georgia in their Pool B World Cup match in Dunedin but the stuttering nature of the performance will be of concern to manager Martin Johnson. Georgia, ranked 16th in the world, dominated the breakdown before half-time and forced England into a host of infringements, but fly-half Merab Kvirikashvili missed three penalties.

Synonyms for break down

Antonyms for break down

Related Words

Word Forms

• breakdowns
• break-down

Usage Notes

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