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
By the time glacial ice from the era receded and temperatures warmed enough for the ectotherms, Ireland had broken off from the European continent and was inaccessible to roaming reptiles.
—
K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026
The Gators also had nine first-half turnovers, many forced, and the Commodores tossed in 20 points by the break off them — forward Jalen Washington, a primary contributor with 17.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
State officials compared the project to Boise’s Flying Wye, where the I-184 Connector breaks off from I-84 west of downtown Boise.
—Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026
Tonga provides an immediate upgrade there, and, at worst, should take some pressure off a secondary that too often had to play superhero on the back end to prevent opposing running backs from breaking off big gains.
—Jesse Newell, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for break off
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K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026
The Gators also had nine first-half turnovers, many forced, and the Commodores tossed in 20 points by the break off them — forward Jalen Washington, a primary contributor with 17.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
State officials compared the project to Boise’s Flying Wye, where the I-184 Connector breaks off from I-84 west of downtown Boise.
—Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026
Tonga provides an immediate upgrade there, and, at worst, should take some pressure off a secondary that too often had to play superhero on the back end to prevent opposing running backs from breaking off big gains.
—Jesse Newell, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
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 19 Mar. 2026.
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