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break off

verb

Definition of break off

  1. intransitive verb

  2. 1 :  to stop abruptly break off in the middle of a sentence

  3. 2 :  to become detached branches that broke off in the storm

  4. 3 :  to end a relationship broke off with his business partner

  5. transitive verb

  6. 1 :  discontinue break off diplomatic relations

  7. 2 :  to remove by or as if by breaking broke off a chunk of bread

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Examples of break off in a Sentence

  1. the judge broke off court proceedings until after lunch

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

First Known Use of break off

14th century

break off Synonyms

Synonyms
break, stop, break up, can [slang], cease, cut off, cut out, desist (from), discontinue, drop, end, give over, halt, knock off, lay off, leave off, pack (up or in), quit, shut off
Antonyms
continue, hang on, persist
Related Words
complete, conclude, finish; close (down); deactivate; block, blockade, dam, delay, detain, hinder, hold, hold back, impede, kibosh, obstruct, stem; call, suspend; arrest, brake, check, clamp down, rein (in), squash, squelch, stamp, stanch (or staunch), stunt, suppress, turn back; pause, stay, suspend; abolish, abort, annul, demolish, destroy, dissolve, kill, ruin, scuttle, snuff
Near Antonyms
carry on, continue, follow through (with), keep up, run on; advance, proceed, progress; actuate, drive, impel, propel, stir

Learn More about break off

  1. See words that rhyme with break off Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for break off Britannica English: Translation of break off for Arabic speakers

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Examples: break off in a Sentence