break

²break

noun

Definition of BREAK

1

a : an act or action of breaking b : the opening shot in a game of pool or billiards

2

a : a condition produced by or as if by breaking : gap <a break in the clouds> b : a gap in an otherwise continuous electric circuit

3

: the action or act of breaking in, out, or forth <at break of day> <a jail break>

4

: a place or situation at which a break occurs: as a : the place at which a word is divided especially at the end of a line of print or writing b : the point or location at which waves break for surfing

5

: an interruption in continuity <a break in the weather>: as a : a notable change of subject matter, attitude, or treatment b (1) : an abrupt, significant, or noteworthy change or interruption in a continuous process, trend, or surface (2) : a respite from work, school, or duty <coffee break> <spring break> (3) : relief from annoyance —often used to express exasperation or irritation in phrases like give me a break (4) : a planned interruption in a radio or television program <a break for the commercial> c : deviation of a pitched baseball from a straight line d mining : fault, dislocation e : failure of a horse to maintain the prescribed gait f : an abrupt change in musical or vocal pitch or quality g : the action or an instance of breaking service in tennis h : a usually solo instrumental passage in jazz, folk, or popular music

6

a : dash, rush <a base runner making a break for home> b : fast break

7

: a sudden and abrupt decline of prices or values

8

a : the start of a race b : the act of separating after a clinch in boxing

9

a : a stroke of luck and especially of good luck <a bad break> <got the breaks> b : a favorable or opportune situation : chance <waiting for a big break in show business> c : favorable consideration or treatment <a tax break> <a break on the price>

10

a : a rupture in previously agreeable relations <a break between the two countries> b : an abrupt split or difference with something previously adhered to or followed <a sharp break with tradition>

11

: breakdown 1c <suffered a mental break>

Examples of BREAK

1. The tank is reinforced to prevent breaks and leaks.
2. There was a break in the hedge.
3. We waited for a break in the traffic.
4. The fields extend for miles without a break.
5. We chatted during a break in the game.
6. All employees are entitled to two breaks during the workday.
7. We've been working all day without a break.

First Known Use of BREAK

14th century

Related to BREAK

Synonyms: pause, breath, breather, interruption, lull, recess

Related Words: time-out; interim, interlude, intermission, interval, respite, rest; cessation, discontinuance, downtime, ending, expiration, finishing, hitch, lapse, stoppage, stopping, termination; abeyance, moratorium, surcease, suspension; discontinuity, gap, hiatus

Near Antonyms: continuation, endurance, persistence, progress, progression; extension, prolongation

see all synonyms and antonyms

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