break

Definitions

1. verb

   To split into pieces or to crack.

   Examples

   • The vase might break if it falls.
   • He had to break the car window to help the driver.
2. verb

   To crack a bone.

   Examples

   • He slipped on the ice and broke his leg.
   • She broke her arm falling off a bike.
3. verb

   To change a large bill into smaller money.

   Examples

   • Can you break a hundred-dollar bill for me?
   • The seller broke the big load into smaller boxes.
4. verb

   To take away someone's spirit or will to go on.

   Examples

   • The loss of her child broke Angela.
   • Long years in prison broke him.
5. verb

   To train a wild animal to work for people.

   Examples

   • It takes months to break a wild horse.
   • You have to break an elephant before you can use it for work.
   ≈break in
6. verb

   To be filled with sadness, as a heart.

   Examples

   • My heart is breaking.
   • When she heard the news, she broke down and cried.
7. verb

   To interrupt or stop something.

   Examples

   • I need to break my habit of biting my nails.
   • Please do not break the silence.
8. verb

   To end a play's run in a theater.

   Examples

   • The producers decided to break the show early because of low ticket sales.
   • They broke the run in July and went on tour.
9. verb

   To make someone lose all their money.

   Examples

   • The recession broke some small businesses.
   • Bad luck broke him in a single year.
10. verb

    To fail in business and lose all your money.

    Examples

    • The shop broke within two years of opening.
    • Risky men often break and end up poor.