break off

/bɹˈeɪk ˈɒf/

/bɹˈeɪk ˈɔf/

to break off

MAIN VERB

[phrase form: break]

to suddenly stop or discontinue something that was previously happening, particularly a conversation or an action, before it is completed

synonyms : break

interrupt before its natural or planned end

break off (a piece from a whole)

synonyms : break away

break a small piece off from

synonyms : chip

break a piece from a whole

synonyms : break

to terminate the romantic or personal relationship that one has with another person, typically in a sudden or abrupt manner

Examples

1. he broke off a piece of his chocolate.

2. On one occasion, a boy accidently broke off a part of Diogenes’s clay tub.

3. Break off the nipple.

4. Marion and his forces break off the attack completely after only a few minutes.