break
• verb (past broke; past part. broken) 1 separate into pieces as a result of a blow, shock, or strain. 2 make or become inoperative; stop working. 3 interrupt (a continuity, sequence, or course). 4 fail to observe (a law, regulation, or agreement). 5 crush the strength or spirit of. 6 surpass (a record). 7 succeed in deciphering (a code). 8 make a sudden rush or dash. 9 lessen the impact of (a fall). suddenly make or become public. (of a person’s voice) falter and change tone. (of a boy’s voice) change in tone and register at puberty. (of the weather) change suddenly, especially after a fine spell. (of a storm) begin violently. (of dawn or a day) begin as the sun rises. use (a banknote) to pay for something and receive change. make the first stroke at the beginning of a game of billiards, pool, or snooker. • noun 1 an interruption, pause, or gap. 2 a short rest or pause in work. 3 an instance of breaking, or the point where something is broken. 4 a sudden rush or dash. 5 informal an opportunity or chance. 6 (also break of serve or service break) Tennis the winning of a game against an opponent’s serve. 7 Snooker & Billiards a consecutive series of successful shots. 8 a short solo in jazz or popular music. — PHRASES break away escape from control or influence. break one’s back (or neck) put great effort into achieving something. break the back of accomplish the main or hardest part of. break cover (of game being hunted) emerge into the open. break down 1 suddenly cease to function or continue. 2 lose control of one’s emotions when in distress. break in 1 force entry to a building. 2 interject. 3 accustom (a horse) to being ridden. 4 make (new shoes) comfortable by wearing them. breaking and entering (in North American, and formerly also British, law) the crime of entering a building by force to commit burglary. break into burst forth into (laughter, song, or faster movement). break a leg! theatrical slang good luck! break of day dawn. break off abruptly end or discontinue. break out 1 (of something undesirable) start suddenly. 2 escape. 3 informal open and start using (something). break out in be suddenly affected by an unpleasant sensation or condition. break someone’s serve win a game in a tennis match against an opponent’s service. break up 1 (of a gathering or relationship) end or part. 2 Brit. end the school term. break wind release gas from the anus. break with 1 quarrel with. 2 go against (a custom or tradition). give someone a break informal stop putting pressure on someone. — DERIVATIVES breakable adjective. — ORIGIN Old English.
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