break off
verb
broke off; broken off; breaking off; breaks off
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
1
: discontinue
break off diplomatic relations
2
: to remove by or as if by breaking
broke off a chunk of bread
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
An officer subsequently breaks off a section of the roof and pulls the woman from the vehicle.
—
Escher Walcott, People.com, 11 June 2025
Though the initial case was dismissed and the couple broke off their relationship at the psychologist's behest, Wilson's family filed a conservatorship lawsuit two years later and successfully removed the musician from Landy's care.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 11 June 2025
Tourists stripped the bark off birch trees, broke off pieces of Arch Rock and Sugar Loaf to take home as souvenirs, chopped down trees, and let their cattle run wild.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 June 2025
Cam York should be in line for a healthy bridge deal, but contract negotiations broke off early last season.
—Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for break off
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Escher Walcott, People.com, 11 June 2025
Though the initial case was dismissed and the couple broke off their relationship at the psychologist's behest, Wilson's family filed a conservatorship lawsuit two years later and successfully removed the musician from Landy's care.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 11 June 2025
Tourists stripped the bark off birch trees, broke off pieces of Arch Rock and Sugar Loaf to take home as souvenirs, chopped down trees, and let their cattle run wild.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 June 2025
Cam York should be in line for a healthy bridge deal, but contract negotiations broke off early last season.
—Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for break off
Cite this Entry
“Break off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20off. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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