Main Entry: ¹break

Pronunciation: \ˈbrāk\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): broke \ˈbrōk\ ; bro·ken \ˈbrō-kən\ ; break·ing

transitive verb

1 a : to snap into pieces : fracture <break a bone> b : to fracture the bone of (a bodily part) <the blow broke her arm> c : to dislocate or dislocate and fracture a bone of (the neck or back)
2 a : to cause an open wound in : rupture <break the skin> b : to rupture the surface of and permit flowing out or effusing <break an artery> <he broke several veins during his seizure>

intransitive verb

1 : to fail in health or strength—often used with down <he broke down under the strain>
2 : to suffer complete or marked loss of resistance, composure, resolution, morale, or command of a situation—often used with down <the prisoner broke down under interrogation and told the whole story>