Phrasal Verbs With 'Break'
We have 23 phrasal verb definition related to 'break'.
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Break away
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Meaning:
Leave an organisation, usually to form a new one
Example:
The SDP BROKE AWAY from the Labour Party.
Notes:
- Intransitive
- International English
- Intransitive
-
Break down
-
Meaning:
End negotiations unsuccessfully
Example:
The talks between management and the unions BROKE DOWN acrimoniously.
Notes:
- Intransitive
- International English
- Intransitive
-
Break down
-
Meaning:
Start crying
Example:
He BROKE DOWN in tears.
Notes:
- Intransitive
- International English
- Intransitive
-
Break down
-
Meaning:
Stop working
Example:
My car's BROKEN DOWN, so I came by taxi.
Notes:
- Intransitive
- International English
- Intransitive
-
Break down
-
Meaning:
Remove a barrier or obstacle
Example:
He had to BREAK DOWN their opposition to his ideas.
Notes:
- Separable [optional]
- International English
- Separable [optional]
-
Break for
-
Meaning:
To go or run towards a place, especially when you are trying to escape
Example:
She had to hold him back as he tried to BREAK FOR the door.
Notes:
- Inseparable
- International English
- Inseparable
-
Break in
-
Meaning:
Go into a building to steal something
Example:
The burglars BROKE IN and stole the TV and video.
Notes:
- Inseparable
- International English
- Inseparable
-
Break in
-
Meaning:
Interrupt something
Example:
I'm sorry to BREAK IN on your conversation, but there's a problem.
Notes:
- Intransitive
- International English
- Intransitive
-
Break in
-
Meaning:
Train a horse to be ridden
Example:
It took ages to BREAK the horse IN.
Notes:
- Separable [optional]
- International English
- Separable [optional]
-
Break in
-
Meaning:
Carefully use new products until they are fully functional.
Example:
I must watch my speed until I BREAK IN my new Volvo.
Notes:
- Separable [optional]
- American English
- Separable [optional]
-
Break into
-
Meaning:
Start doing something
Example:
He BROKE INTO a run when he saw the police.
Notes:
- Inseparable
- International English
- Inseparable
-
Break into
-
Meaning:
Be accepted into a profession or field
Example:
She's trying to BREAK INTO acting.
Notes:
- Intransitive
- International English
- Intransitive
-
Break into
-
Meaning:
Start to spend funds, usually out of necessity
Example:
I had to BREAK INTO my savings to pay off the bills.
Notes:
- Inseparable
- International English
- Inseparable
-
Break off
-
Meaning:
Break a piece from something
Example:
She BROKE OFF a square of chocolate and gave it to her dog.
Notes:
- Separable [optional]
- International English
- Separable [optional]
-
Break off
-
Meaning:
End a relationship
Example:
She BROKE OFF their engagement when she found out that he'd been unfaithful.
Notes:
- Separable [optional]
- International English
- Separable [optional]
-
Break out
-
Meaning:
Start (war, conflict)
Example:
They're worried that war will BREAK OUT.
Notes:
- Intransitive
- International English
- Intransitive
-
Break out in
-
Meaning:
Sweat heavily, develop skin sores or irritation.
Example:
The measles caused me to BREAK OUT IN a rash.
Notes:
- Inseparable
- International English
- Inseparable
-
Break out of
-
Meaning:
Escape
Example:
Three dangerous Category A prisoners BROKE OUT OF Wandsworth Prison last night.
Notes:
- Inseparable
- International English
- Inseparable
-
Break through
-
Meaning:
Pass a barrier or obstacle
Example:
The crowd BROKE THROUGH the police barriers and attacked the hunters.
Notes:
- Inseparable
- International English
- Inseparable
-
Break up
-
Meaning:
Break into many pieces
Example:
The plate BROKE UP when he dropped it on the floor.
Notes:
- Separable [optional]
- International English
- Separable [optional]
-
Break up
-
Meaning:
Close an educational institution for the holidays
Example:
Schools BREAK UP at the end of June for the summer holidays.
Notes:
- Intransitive
- International English
- Intransitive
-
Break up
-
Meaning:
Finish a relationship
Example:
They had been going out for a couple of years before they BROKE UP.
Notes:
- Intransitive
- International English
- Intransitive
-
Break up
-
Meaning:
Become inaudible over the telephone because of interference
Example:
You're BREAKING UP; I'll call you back in a minute and see if we get a better connection.
Notes:
- Intransitive
- International English
- Intransitive