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

Snagless Ethernet cables have a protective cover over the plastic locking clip to keep it from accidentally getting caught on items and breaking off. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026

As OutKick previously reported, Megan broke off her relationship with the NBA star last week after accusing him of cheating. —Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026

The goldendoodle’s shoulder tap felt almost human in its politeness, and the woman’s response — smiling, breaking off a piece and blowing on it — felt effortlessly warm. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026

Sources confirm to People and TMZ that Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum broke off their engagement after three years together. —Hannah Madlener, Glamour, 24 Apr. 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