Main Entry: bro·ken

Pronunciation: \ˈbrō-kən\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English brocen, from past participle of brecan to break

Date: 13th century

1 : violently separated into parts : shattered
2 : damaged or altered by breaking: as a : having undergone or been subjected to fracture <a broken leg> b of land surfaces : being irregular, interrupted, or full of obstacles c : violated by transgression <a broken promise> d : discontinuous, interrupted e : disrupted by change f of a tulip flower : having an irregular, streaked, or blotched pattern especially from virus infection
3 a : made weak or infirm b : subdued completely : crushed, sorrowful <a broken heart> <a broken spirit> c : bankrupt d : reduced in rank
4 a : cut off : disconnected b : imperfectly spoken or written <broken English>
5 : not complete or full <a broken bale of hay>
6 : disunited by divorce, separation, or desertion of one parent <children from broken homes> <a broken family>

— bro·ken·ly adverb

— bro·ken·ness \-kə(n)-nəs\ noun