Main Entry: break off

Function: verb

Date: 14th century

intransitive verb

1 : to stop abruptly <break off in the middle of a sentence>
2 : to become detached <branches that broke off in the storm>
3 : to end a relationship <broke off with his business partner>transitive verb 1 : discontinue <break off diplomatic relations>
2 : to remove by or as if by breaking <broke off a chunk of bread>