Definition of breakdown
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: the action or result of breaking down: such as
a
: a failure to function
preventing a breakdown of the health-care system
b
: failure to progress or have effect : disintegration
a breakdown of negotiations
c
medicine
: a complete loss of physical, mental, or emotional vitality : a physical, mental, or nervous collapse
d
: the process of decomposing
the breakdown of water into hydrogen and oxygen cellular breakdown
e
: division into categories
a statistical breakdown of data
: classification
also
: an account analyzed into categories
a budget breakdown
2
: a fast shuffling dance
also
: music for such a dance
break down
verb
broke down; broken down; breaking down; breaks down
Definition of break down (Entry 2 of 2)
1a
: to cause to fall or collapse by breaking or shattering
b
: to make ineffective
break down legal barriers
2a
: to divide into parts or categories
b
: to separate (something, such as a chemical compound) into simpler substances : decompose
c
: to take apart especially for storage or shipment and for later reassembling
1a
: to stop functioning because of breakage or wear
b
: to become inoperative or ineffective : fail
negotiations broke down
c
: to fail in strength or vitality
her health broke down
d
: to succumb to mental or emotional stress
broke down and cried
e
: to lose one's resolve : give in
finally broke down and bought a computer
2
of horses
: to severely injure the supporting ligament or bones of the fetlock joint
3a
: to be susceptible to or undergo analysis or subdivision
the statistics break down like this
b
: to undergo decomposition
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for breakdown
The first known use of breakdown was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century