Break
volume
British pronunciation/bɹˈe‌ɪk/
American pronunciation/ˈbɹeɪk/

Definition & Meaning of "break"

to break
01

to separate something into more pieces, often in a sudden way

Transitive: to break sth
to break definition and meaning
example
Example
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Be careful not to break the glass when you wash the dishes.
The storm 's strong winds can break branches off the trees.
1.1

to become damaged and separated into pieces because of a blow, shock, etc.

Intransitive
to break definition and meaning
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The chair legs could n't support his weight and broke.
The plate slipped from her grasp and broke into shards.
02

to manage to get away from captivity

to break definition and meaning
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The prisoners devised a clever plan to break out of the maximum-security prison.
She used her strength to break loose from the kidnapper's grip.
03

to cause a crack and a separation in one of the bones of the body

Transitive: to break a bone
to break definition and meaning
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The skier had a bad fall and broke several ribs.
He had broken his arm at the elbow.
04

to fail to obey the law

Transitive: to break a law
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She was caught breaking the contract by sharing confidential information.
The company will face consequences if they break environmental regulations.
05

(of a piece of equipment) to become inoperative or unusable

Intransitive
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I 'm sorry, but the blender has broken, and we need to get a replacement.
I ca n't play my favorite video game because the console broke.
06

to end or interrupt something, particularly a sentence, remark, or course of action

Transitive: to break a situation or course of action
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The interruption broke his train of thought, and he lost his place in the presentation.
The loud music next door broke my concentration while I was studying.
6.1

to put a temporary halt to something, particularly in order to have a drink or eat something

Intransitive
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The conference will break for a networking session in the afternoon.
We 'll break briefly and then get back to work.
6.2

to try to lessen the force or impact of a fall

Transitive: to break a fall
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His quick reflexes allowed him to twist and turn, trying to break his fall as he fell from the ladder.
Grab onto something to break your fall if you slip on the wet floor.
6.3

to excel in doing something compared to anyone else who has ever tried it

Transitive: to break a record
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His incredible feat in the high jump might remain a record that may never be broken.
Their teamwork and dedication to the project broke all previous records of success.
6.4

to do one's best to make a habit go away

Transitive: to break a habit
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His friends have tried everything to break him of his excessive gaming habit
It 's challenging to break the habit of biting your nails.
07

to destroy someone in a mental sense

Transitive: to break sb
7.1

to negate a strike, particularly by replacing the striking workers

Transitive: to break a strike
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Example
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The company 's strategy to break the strike resulted in a lengthy labor dispute.
They brought in temporary workers to break the strike and keep production going.
7.2

to make someone confess, submit, or obey, particularly by hitting or torturing them

Transitive: to break sb
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Example
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The detective 's relentless questioning finally broke the suspect.
The aim of discipline in the military is to build character, not to break soldiers.
7.3

to weaken someone or something in order to destroy them

Transitive: to break sth
example
Example
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The constant criticism from his peers began to break his self-esteem.
The betrayal by his closest friend nearly broke his trust in people.
08

(of a boy's voice at the age of 13 or older) to become permanently deeper

Intransitive
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After his voice broke, he joined the bass section of the choir.
After a few months, his voice began to break, and he no longer sounded like a child.
8.1

(of a person's voice) to change in tone due to going through intense emotion

Intransitive
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Her voice broke as she described the accident.
During the emotional farewell, his voice broke as he said goodbye.
09

to unravel the secret or find the meaning behind something

Transitive: to break a secret or complex problem
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Example
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With their combined efforts, they were able to break the complex algorithm.
Breaking the code required both skill and patience.
10

(of news) to be released or made known to the public

Intransitive
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The news of the election results broke on live television.
The scandal finally broke after months of rumors.
10.1

to tell someone some important news, often bad news

Ditransitive: to break news to sb
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I do n't want to do it.
They decided to break the news to their parents together.
11

(of wrestlers or boxers) to let go of or come out of a grappling position, particularly when asked by the referee

Intransitive
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Example
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It 's important for wrestlers to know when to break to avoid penalties.
The crowd cheered as the fighters finally broke.
12

to cut through the surface level of the skin and cause bleeding

Transitive: to break the skin
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Example
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His fingernails were so sharp that they could break the skin if he scratched too hard.
The knife slipped, and it barely broke the skin on my finger.
13

to make a set become incomplete, particularly by taking or destroying one of its parts

Transitive: to break a set
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Example
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The seller would n't break the bundle of magazines.
She decided to break the collection into smaller groups for display.
14

to exchange a sum of money for the same amount but in smaller bills or coins

Transitive: to break a bill
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Example
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I 'd like to break this $ 20 into fives, please.
Do you have change to break this £ 50 note?
15

(primarily in the game of billiards, snooker, or pool) to be the first player who strikes at the beginning of a game

Intransitive
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To start the match, the player who breaks must aim carefully.
In this round, I 'll let you break and see how the balls scatter.
16

to rise through the surface of sea, pool, etc.

Transitive: to break the surface of water
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The turtle 's head broke the surface momentarily before it dived underwater again.
When the buoyant object broke the surface, it bobbed gently on the water.
17

(of weather conditions) to experience a drastic change, particularly after a period of stability

Intransitive
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After days of foggy conditions, the weather broke, revealing clear blue skies.
As the summer turned to autumn, the temperature suddenly broke, and a chill filled the air.
17.1

(of waves of water) to fall or be dissolved into foam, particularly on the shoreline

Intransitive
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The stormy sea was breaking over the stranded boat.
Surfers love the challenge of riding the waves as they break.
17.2

(of a day, dawn, or a storm) to begin

Intransitive
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The storm broke as we reached the shelter.
Night was breaking, and the stars were fading.
17.3

(of clouds) to clear out or show an opening

Intransitive
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It was a gloomy morning, but by midday, the clouds started to break, giving us hope for a better day.
When the rain stopped, the clouds began to break, promising a nicer afternoon.
18

to use force in order to open something secure such as a safe

Transitive: to break a safe compartment
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Example
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They tried to break the old chest but found it more challenging than they expected.
Criminals attempted to break open the bank's safe during the heist.
Break
01

a rest from the work or activity we usually do

break definition and meaning
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After three hours of driving, they took a break at a rest stop.
I need a short break before I continue working.
02

a fracture in a hard tissue, such as bone

break definition and meaning

What is a "break"?

A break, in the context of a noun, refers to a fracture or crack in hard tissue, like bone, typically caused by injury or underlying medical conditions. It involves the separation or disruption of the bone structure, often resulting in pain, swelling, and loss of function in the affected area. Healing a break usually requires medical attention, which may involve casting or surgery depending on the seriousness of the injury. Proper treatment and recovery are essential for restoring function and preventing complications in the affected bone.

03

some abrupt occurrence that interrupts an ongoing activity

04

an unexpected fortunate event, particularly one that leads to success

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He got his big break when he was cast in a major movie role.
The new product launch was a break for the struggling company.
05

the act of breaking something

06

a personal or social separation (as between opposing factions)

07

(geology) a crack in the earth's crust resulting from the displacement of one side with respect to the other

08

an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity

09

a sudden dash

10

the opening shot that scatters the balls in billiards or pool

11

an escape from a place, typically where one is being held against their will

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The prisoner planned his break from prison meticulously, waiting for the perfect moment to flee.
The thieves made a daring break from the scene of the crime, disappearing into the night.
12

any frame in which a bowler fails to make a strike or spare

13

the act of winning a game while receiving serve, instead of serving

What is a "break"?

In tennis, a break occurs when the player receiving serve wins the game, thus breaking the server's serve. This is considered an advantage for the receiver because the server is expected to win their games more often. A break can shift the momentum of a match and is often seen as a key turning point. For example, if a player breaks their opponent's serve, they gain a crucial point and have the opportunity to serve in the following game. It is an important strategy to gaining control of the match.

14

the occurrence of breaking

15

an abrupt change in the tone or register of the voice (as at puberty or due to emotion)

16

a period of time during which a specific activity, event, or process is temporarily paused or interrupted

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There was a break in the meeting when everyone stepped out for refreshments.
The documentary included a break to highlight key statistics on screen.
17

a short pause in a TV or radio program for advertisement

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Television networks often schedule commercial breaks during prime-time shows to maximize advertising revenue.
During the break in the program, viewers are typically shown a series of advertisements for products and services.
18

a period of time during the school day when students are not in class, often used for relaxation, refreshment, or other activities

What is a "break"?

A break is a short pause during the school day, allowing students to rest or recharge. It typically occurs between classes, during lunchtime, or after long periods of study or lessons. Breaks give students a chance to stretch, socialize, or have a snack before resuming their activities. These breaks help maintain focus and energy throughout the day, contributing to better learning and well-being. The duration of breaks can vary based on the school’s timetable.

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During the break, students socialize with friends in the cafeteria.
Teachers use the break to prepare materials for their next class.
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