break ranks

phrase

variants or less commonly break rank
: to differ in opinion or action from one's peers
often used with with
broke ranks with the party's leadership

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of break ranks was in 1854

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Cite this Entry

“Break ranks.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20ranks. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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