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to break down
[phrase form: break]
01
(of a machine or vehicle) to stop working as a result of a malfunction
Grammatical Information
Composition
phrasal
Action verb
Regular
Inseparable
Particle
down
Base verb
break
Present tense
break down
3rd person singular
breaks down
Present participle
breaking down
Past simple
broke down
Past participle
broken down
Examples
The machinery broke down during the production process, leading to delays.
02
to lose control and start crying
Examples
The news of the loss caused her to break down in sorrow.
03
to make something crumble and fall apart
Examples
The workers broke down the old building for renovation.
04
(of a relationship, negotiation, etc.) to fail to function properly
Examples
The negotiations broke down after hours of intense debate.
05
to lose control or suddenly collapse due to overwhelming emotions, exhaustion, or physical strain
Examples
The athlete broke down after running a marathon.
06
to destroy a barrier by force
Examples
The demolition crew used explosives to break down the old factory's entrance.
07
(in mathematics, chemistry, or grammar) to break into smaller parts or components, especially for a detailed analysis or examination
Examples
Can you break the complex process down for better understanding?
08
to turn a substance into smaller components through chemical reactions
Examples
The chemical reaction will break down the pollutant into safer components.
09
to process food in the digestive system and transform it into nutrients
Examples
The digestive enzymes help break proteins down into amino acids.
