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 of break off

• 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

The pair have since broken off their engagement, according to the California Post. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

In March 2023, for instance, Honduras broke off formal relations with Taiwan and established ties with Beijing. — Natalia Cote-Muñoz, Foreign Affairs, 3 Aug. 2026

In the red zone a few plays later, veteran free agent addition Cobie Durant picked off a Dak Prescott pass intended for CeeDee Lamb in the end zone where Durant broke off his assignment with good instincts and easily picked it off. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Aug. 2026

With the tight ends The Chiefs’ tight ends broke off to work on a blocking drill at the start. — Pete Grathoff july 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive 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