BREAK | English Meaning, Definition, and Pronunciation

Old English brecan (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch breken and German brechen, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin frangere ‘to break’

separate or cause to separate into pieces as a result of a blow, shock, or strain

separate into pieces

• the branch broke with a loud snap
• windows in the street were broken by the blast

interrupt (a sequence, course, or continuous state)

interrupt sequence

• this broke the pattern of generations remaining in the place where they were born
• his concentration was broken by a sound

fail to observe (a law, regulation, or agreement)

fail to observe regulation etc.

• the council says it will prosecute traders who break the law
• the legally binding contract can only be broken by mutual consent
• if I don't go, I'll be breaking my promise

crush the emotional strength, spirit, or resistance of

crush spirit of

• the idea was to better the prisoners, not to break them

(of the weather) change suddenly, especially after a fine spell

(of weather) change suddenly

• the weather broke and thunder rumbled through a leaden sky

(of news or a scandal) suddenly become public

(of news) become public

• since the news broke I've received thousands of wonderful letters

(chiefly of an attacking player or team, or of a military force) make a rush or dash in a particular direction

rush or dash

• Mitchell won possession and broke quickly, allowing Hughes to score

an interruption of continuity or uniformity

interruption of continuity

• the magazine has been published without a break since 1950

a pause in work or during an activity or event

pause in work

• I need a break from mental activity
• those returning to work after a career break
• a coffee break

a gap or opening

gap or opening

• the track bends left through a break in the hedge
• he stopped to wait for a break in the traffic

an instance of breaking something, or the point where something is broken

instance of breaking

• he was stretchered off with a break to the leg

a rush or dash in a particular direction, especially by an attacking player or team

rush or dash

• Norwich scored on a rare break with 11 minutes left

an opportunity or chance, especially one leading to professional success

chance for success

• he got his break as an entertainer on a TV music hall show

a consecutive series of successful shots, scoring a specified number of points

consecutive series of successful shots

• a break of 83 put him in front for the first time

a bud or shoot sprouting from a stem.

sprouting bud or shoot