verb / noun
break
BRAYK/breɪk/
To disrupt the integrity or continuity of something.
He breaks the brittle pencil into two pieces between his hands.
Etymology
Old English brecan covered both dividing something into fragments and injuring or destroying it. This connects physical separation with damage that leaves something unable to work.
In context
I have a reasonable idea about what it costs to break a CH bond to give two radicals. And I also have a reasonable idea about what it takes to break this water H bond …
More examples
- She broke the news to us during a short break from work.
- He broke his promise to return the money.
- The trainer breaks the young horse for riding.
- The endless setbacks threaten to break their determination.
Forms
break · breaks · broke · broken · breaking
Similar words
- fracture
- Emphasizes cracking or splitting a solid object.