break down

/bɹˈeɪk dˈaʊn/

[verb]

to break down

[VERB]

MAIN VERB

[phrase form: break]

(of a machine or vehicle) to stop working as a result of a defect

synonyms : break

to lose control and start crying

synonyms : lose it

snap

(of a relationship, negotiation, etc.) to cease to work, and fail

synonyms : collapse

crumble

crumple

tumble

collapse due to fatigue, an illness, or a sudden attack

synonyms : collapse

cause to fall or collapse

make a mathematical, chemical, or grammatical analysis of; break down into components or essential features

synonyms : analyse

analyze

dissect

take apart

antonyms : synthesize

make ineffective

synonyms : crush

separate (substances) into constituent elements or parts

synonyms : break up

decompose

*** Digest

Examples

1. The heating system is always breaking down.

2. My dad gave me a ride to school when my car broke down.

3. The car had seen better days and broke down on the highway.

4. My neighbor's car broke down, so I gave him a lift to work.

Nearby words

break every rule in the book

break heart

break in

break into