break up

break up

verb

Definition 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

1. <the band broke up when their arguments over money grew too stressful>
2. <the meeting broke up when all the business for the day had been completed>

First Known Use of BREAK UP

15th century

Related to BREAK UP

Synonyms: disband, disperse, dissolve

Antonyms: band, join, unite

Related Words: demobilize

Near Antonyms: incorporate; consolidate; hang together

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with BREAK UP

make up, rake up, shake up, take up