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
verbbroke 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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Time Traveler for breakdown
The first known use of breakdown was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century