rupture

¹rup·ture

noun \ˈrəp(t)-shər\

Definition of RUPTURE

1

: breach of peace or concord; specifically : open hostility or war between nations

2

a : the tearing apart of a tissue <rupture of the heart muscle> <rupture of an intervertebral disk>

b : hernia

3

: a breaking apart or the state of being broken apart

Examples of RUPTURE

1. A rupture in the pipeline resulted in major water damage.
2. a rupture of an artery
3. an infection that could cause rupture of the eardrum
4. The conflict caused a rupture in relations between the former allies.
5. They're trying to heal the rupture in their relationship.

Origin of RUPTURE

Middle English ruptur, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French rupture, from Latin ruptura fracture, from ruptus, past participle of rumpere to break — more at reave

First Known Use: 15th century

²rupture

verb

rup·turedrup·tur·ing \-sh(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of RUPTURE

transitive verb

1

a : to part by violence : break, burst

b : to create or induce a breach of

2

: to produce a rupture in

intransitive verb

: to have or undergo a rupture

Examples of RUPTURE

1. The pipe ruptured because of high water pressure.
2. High water pressure ruptured the pipe.
3. The impact ruptured his liver.
4. The scandal ruptured relations between the two countries.
5. The crime ruptured the peace of a small town.

First Known Use of RUPTURE

1739