Phrasal Verb 'Break'

We have 23 phrasal verb definitions related to 'Break'.

Break away

Meaning: Leave an organisation, usually to form a new one

Example: The SDP BROKE AWAY from the Labour Party.

Notes:

• Intransitive
• International English

Break down

Meaning: End negotiations unsuccessfully

Example: The talks between management and the unions BROKE DOWN acrimoniously.

Notes:

• Intransitive
• International English

Break down

Meaning: Start crying

Example: He BROKE DOWN in tears.

Notes:

• Intransitive
• International English

Break down

Meaning: Stop working

Example: My car's BROKEN DOWN, so I came by taxi.

Notes:

• Intransitive
• International English

Break down

Meaning: Remove a barrier or obstacle

Example: He had to BREAK DOWN their opposition to his ideas.

Notes:

• Separable [optional]
• International English

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

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

Break in

Meaning: Interrupt something

Example: I'm sorry to BREAK IN on your conversation, but there's a problem.

Notes:

• Intransitive
• International English

Break in

Meaning: Train a horse to be ridden

Example: It took ages to BREAK the horse IN.

Notes:

• Separable [optional]
• International English

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

Break into

Meaning: Start doing something

Example: He BROKE INTO a run when he saw the police.

Notes:

• Inseparable
• International English

Break into

Meaning: Be accepted into a profession or field

Example: She's trying to BREAK INTO acting.

Notes:

• Intransitive
• International English

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

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

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

Break out

Meaning: Start (war, conflict)

Example: They're worried that war will BREAK OUT.

Notes:

• Intransitive
• International English

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

Break out of

Meaning: Escape

Example: Three dangerous Category A prisoners BROKE OUT OF Wandsworth Prison last night.

Notes:

• Inseparable
• International English

Break through

Meaning: Pass a barrier or obstacle

Example: The crowd BROKE THROUGH the police barriers and attacked the hunters.

Notes:

• Inseparable
• International English

Break up

Meaning: Break into many pieces

Example: The plate BROKE UP when he dropped it on the floor.

Notes:

• Separable [optional]
• International English

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

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

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