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
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
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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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
Cite this Entry
“Break off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20off. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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