break off

verb

broke off; broken off; breaking off; breaks off

intransitive verb

1

: to stop abruptly

break off in the middle of a sentence

2

: to become detached

branches that broke off in the storm

3

: to end a relationship

broke off with his business partner

transitive verb

1

: discontinue

break off diplomatic relations

2

: to remove by or as if by breaking

broke off a chunk of bread

Synonyms

• stop
• cease
• end
• halt
• quit
• cut off
• lay off
• knock off
• shut off
• cut out

Examples of break off in a Sentence

the judge broke off court proceedings until after lunch

talks between the two sides broke off when one began making unreasonable demands

Recent Examples on the Web

As this happens, colder arctic air can break off and migrate south, causing freezing conditions. —Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 2025

Then break off the ends that hang out. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2025

After breaking off the engagement, Cochran said, Glison had moved to the apartment complex to get away from him. —Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025

About 10 minutes later, one or two members of the group broke off to spray-paint vehicles and a guard booth with anti-ICE slogans. —Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Rhymes for break off

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff

Kids Definition

break off

verb

: to stop suddenly