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to break off
[phrase form: break]
01
to use force to separate one thing from another
Transitive: to break off sth
Examples
The sculptor broke off a chunk of clay for shaping.
The mechanic broke off the rusty bolt with a wrench.
02
to become separated from a larger entity
Intransitive
Examples
The tree branch broke off in the strong wind.
The cookie broke off into smaller pieces when dropped.
03
to suddenly stop an activity or an action
Transitive: to break off an activity or action
Examples
The organization had to break off the event due to unforeseen circumstances.
The athlete had to break off the race due to an unexpected injury.
04
to stop speaking or end a conversation suddenly
Intransitive
Examples
The speaker broke off, suppressing a laugh.
He broke off mid-sentence when he realized he had forgotten a crucial point.
05
to end a romantic or personal relationship suddenly
Transitive: to break off a relationship
Examples
She decided to break the engagement off due to irreconcilable differences.
He broke off the friendship after a series of betrayals.
