1. Home
2. Idioms
3. break off

break off

---

---

break off

(from something) [for a piece of something] to become separated from the whole. This broke off from the lamp. What shall I do with it? This piece broke off.

See also: break, off

break off (with someone)

 and break with someone

to end communication with someone; to break up (with someone); to end a relationship with someone, especially a romantic relationship, or to create a break between adult members of a family. Terri has broken off with Sam. We thought she would break with him pretty soon.

See also: break, off

break something off (of) something

 and break something off

to fracture or dislodge a piece off something. (Of is usually retained before pronouns.) He broke a piece of the decorative stone off the side of the church. He didn't mean to break off anything. This fragment was broken off of that.

See also: break, off

break something off

 

1. to end a relationship abruptly. I knew she was getting ready to break it off, but Tom didn't. After a few long and bitter arguments, they broke off their relationship.

2. Go to break something off (of) something.

See also: break, off

break off (something)

to end something suddenly Our third meeting broke off after an hour, but our fourth lasted three days. I just broke off with a guy I've been going out with for eight months.

See also: break, off

break off

1. Stop abruptly, as in The trade talks broke off yesterday. [First half of 1300s]

2. Separate, sever a connection, as in The baby broke off the tops of all the flowers, or The new sect has broken off from the established church. [First half of 1500s]

3. End a relationship or friendship, as in Mary broke off her engagement to Rob. [Mid-1600s]

See also: break, off

break off

v.

1. To separate a piece of something from some whole, especially by force: We broke the icicles off the gutters of the house. I broke off a piece of chocolate and gave it to my friend. The truck hit my rearview mirror and broke it off.

2. To become separated from some whole: A large piece of ice broke off the iceberg and crashed into the water. I dropped my coffee mug and the handle broke off.

3. To stop or end suddenly. Especially used of communication: He began the first line of his speech and then mysteriously broke off. Unfortunately, the peace talks between the countries broke off.

4. To end some relationship: Although I am angry, I do not want to break off my long relationship with you. The countries broke off all diplomatic ties and went to war.

See also: break, off