break up
break up
verbDefinition of BREAK UP
intransitive verb
1
a : to cease to exist as a unified whole : disperse <their partnership broke up> b : to end a romance
2
: to lose morale, composure, or resolution; especially : to become abandoned to laughter <breaks up completely, laughing himself into a coughing fit — Gene Williams>
transitive verb
1
: to break into pieces
2
: to bring to an end <broke up the fight>
3
: to do away with : destroy <break up a monopoly>
4
: to disrupt the continuity or flow of <break up a dull routine>
5
: decompose <break up a chemical>
6
: to cause to laugh heartily
Examples of BREAK UP
- <the band broke up when their arguments over money grew too stressful>
- <the meeting broke up when all the business for the day had been completed>
First Known Use of BREAK UP
15th century
Learn More About BREAK UP
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: breakup value
Previous Word in the Dictionary: breakup
All Words Near: break up
Previous Word in the Dictionary: breakup
All Words Near: break up
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up break up? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).


See 








