break

4 entries found for break.
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break[1,verb] break[2,noun] break down break out

Main Entry: ¹break
Pronunciation: brk
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): broke /brk/; bro·ken /br-kn/; break·ing
transitive verb
1 a : to snap into pieces : FRACTURE <break a bone> b : to fracture the bone of (a bodily part) <the blow broke her arm> c : to dislocate or dislocate and fracture a bone of (the neck or back)
2 a : to cause an open wound in : RUPTURE <break the skin> b : to rupture the surface of and permit flowing out or effusing <break an artery> <he broke several veins during his seizure>
intransitive verb
1 : to fail in health or strength -- often used with down <he broke down under the strain>
2 : to suffer complete or marked loss of resistance, composure, resolution, morale, or command of a situation -- often used with down <the prisoner broke down under interrogation and told the whole story>