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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The right engine, which had been on fire, had a broken fan blade and part of the exhaust system broke off and was found in a grassy field alongside I-95, near the flight path. Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 21 May 2025 Coming from the company of her ex-boyfriend, who had broken off all contact with her after her downfall, the demands of repayment contributed to the mental state that resulted in Kim Sae-ron’s death, according to her family. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025 The driver was also damaged, with the club's head breaking off. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2025 Even worse, a huge fire breaks out and the structure begins to collapse, causing huge sections of the tower to break off. Keith Langston, People.com, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for break off

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of break off was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Break off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20off. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

break off

verb
: to stop suddenly
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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