Break also functions as both a noun and a verb, and it's the word you want in all other contexts, such as when the topic is something separating into parts or pieces ("the plate will break if it falls," "break a leg," "a bad break"), being damaged to the point of no longer working ("break a watch"), failing to do what is promised ("break a ... BREAK definition: 1. to (cause something to) separate suddenly or violently into two or more pieces, or to (cause….

Understanding the Context

Learn more. b. To find the solution or key to; uncover the basic elements and arrangement of: break a code; break a spy ring. 15.

Key Insights

To make known, as news: break a story. 16. To surpass or outdo: broke the league's home-run record. 17. To overcome or put an end to, especially by force or strong opposition: break a deadlock in negotiations; break a strike.

Final Thoughts

to (cause a personal relationship to) end: [no object] decided to break up after five years. [~ + up + object] Their children didn't break up their marriage. [~ + object + up] to break it up. Definition of break verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. to strain apart; to sever by fracture; to divide with violence; as, to break a rope or chain; to break a seal; to break an axle; to break rocks or coal; to break a lock BREAK definition: to smash, split, or divide into parts violently; reduce to pieces or fragments.

See examples of break used in a sentence.