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- Crop 199
- the Midlands 44
- bleeding 128
- constrain 216
- extrude 119
- unconquerable 61
- Lucky 36
- elide 60
- unscrupulous 256
- flavour 436
- intimate 440
- fruit 305
- crusted 91
- pleasing 112
- discretion 128
- tier 223
- Ransack 38
- prefer 620
- mobilize 288
- farmhand 172
- capsule 125
- Charged 194
- voluntarily 80
- bloody 256
- grizzly 118
- flight 215
- negligence 254
- dastardly 100
- document 562
- ward 343
- calming 56
- detectable 136
- pattern 510
- revolution 525
- genderqueer 70
- Algae 64
- favour 471
- Miraculous 82
- Keep 146
- tiger 509
- livelier 33
- presto 75
- reporter 521
- Spot 198
- to the point 92
- Detail 126
- waxing 42
- Tremendous 102
- fattest 54
- whacked 46
- Destruction 200
- way off 37
- bendy 127
- Biology 62
- Enzymatic 62
- looked 47
- (as) blind as a bat 25
- talk 350
- ownership 494
- denimed 53
- oppress 474
- unpack 234
- verge 273
- enchantment 112
- Sold 114
- Exotic 189
- sometime 435
- unwarranted 75
- Portal 143
- centenarian 107
- speechless 153
- quieter 42
- Northwest 109
- convector 76
- sweet talk 48
- inquisition 70
- herbivorous 219
- croesus 72
- photo 97
- Ros 80
- faeces 119
- esquire 115
- skew 106
- lockjaw 72
- laboratories 32
- berth 149
- imitate 453
- chancy 167
- MINUS 91
- age 267
- desperate 517
- Ahead 190
- Nebula 41
- gape 166
- solar 465
- lengthways 55
- reconditioned 67
- actress 484
- seize 536
- leftish 42
- ski 532
- enzyme 116
- yearly 449
- bounce 648
- eisteddfod 98
- pigtail 54
- balloon 660
- postman 505
- mama 75
- Sharpener 42
- suitcase 286
- Highlight 134
- countryman 121
- prose 93
- helpful 483
- prospect 608
- slipper 458
- tuneless 62
- tartarian 27
- Inequality 176
- servile 117
- Whiff 135
- goatherd 137
- hunter 174
- empty-headed 76
- onstage 51
- neighbor 232
- doubtless 478
- disfigure 127
- bake 548
- shorthand 114
- substance 620
- nominalization 51
- gasworks 121
- musicalize 43
- Garrulous 117
- populous 65
- dwell on 48
- seat belt 130
- uncle 136
- eat 277
- Abortion 160
- embattled 112
- overstretched 38
- shuffle 269
- Instant 214
- musty 204
- luster 153
- Fraud 123
- bibliophile 105
- tuvaluan 40
- due 512
- ellipsis 154
- drastic 187
- capitalism 233
- cabin 430
- Lodge 101
- Celebratory 83
- gaiety 121
- forearm 134
- mathematical 450
- Coax 116
- perpetrate 167
- viscous 98
- K 112
- divorcée 348
- go to sleep 91
- Slovenia 50
- limy 52
- laxity 60
- medley 66
- incumbencies 39
- jury 484
- polythene 48
- aria 101
- Shotgun 122
- FLEXIBLE 96
- fit 410
- novice 188
- ethiopian 86
- vial 89
- orthodox 245
- rickety 73
- gendarme 113
- jalapeño 60
- ADVANCEMENT 104
- Wipe 145
- indomitable 111
- teem 207
- nasty 577
- assiduity 135
- confident 534
- groundless 134
- suppression 226
- Orient 215
- avert 195
- soya bean 61
- fertility 188
- agree 266
- galling 110
- Chronically 62
- sunblock 101
- trump 216
- Sufficient 257
- hurricane 71
- peacock 193
- spire 63
- Offal 113
- calvary 39
- detention centre 73
- romaine 44
- poof 66
- dill 116
- grow apart 89
- arnold 46
- esperanto 68
- Profound 63
- Overdue 134
- comment 603
- trunks 30
- Mauretania 45
- Alter 314
- Foster 228
- elbow grease 86
- Apache 61
- subsidence 58
- treatise 93
- train 315
- Queries 12
- Vindicate 46
- Darkness 154
- disheveled 141
- go-to 141
- subdivision 50
- doubled 60
- overcapacity 73
- creationist 54
- remount 67
- togetherness 55
- Summon 138
- distract 353
- eyelash 123
- hausa 51
- sacrosanct 60
- companionship 133
- sentimentality 59
- PROMISE 78
- Drift 285
- overpaid 53
- photosensitive 77
- inconsistency 86
- snooze 163
- alluvial 103
- painty 42
- organic 517
- conscientious 224
- convoy 142
- lib 74
- FUN 134
- silk-screen 44
- haroset 36
- feminist 183
- leave 288
- quality 502
- fratricidal 100
- unmanly 70
- removeable 33
- to and fro 36
- lobotomies 30
- bursting 57
- disregard 299
- hematoma 94
- caliber 131
- necker 33
- anorak 95
- anthropology 191
- stick 597
- smirk 271
- role 532
- fifth 139
- pulpy 92
- merely 427
- priest 504
- quadruped 70
- deviate 314
- pile out 70
- pinafore 53
- chorizo 118
- pocked 44
- tongue 563
- screwed-up 68
- kilted 39
- flowering 106
- lineal 66
- trivial 255
- deconstruct 151
- misconstrue 88
- symptomize 83
- probation officer 48
- -ive 75
- stratosphere 85
- cumulative 162
- decided 204
- relax 541
- institution 504
- pregnancy 128
- age-old 114
- batsman 133
- Stifle 149
- move 357
- udder 77
- liaise 167
- sentential 59
- surfeit 117
- Hone 151
- counterpane 80
- Intergalactic 46
- Gen 128
- ranting 118
- Yielding 67
- once again 34
- Attitude 221
- come off 138
- Quietness 122
- dislodge 102
- nde 74
- ledger 107
- chancre 36
- Detention 212
- Dale 166
- forget 271
- Annoy 168
- Nanny 42
- filthier 55
- breakables 46
- defeat 536
- hot spring 56
- plutocrat 58
- commando 102
- shallot 81
- advisedly 68
- unborn 56
- settlor 46
- behove 74
- chewy 92
- field mouse 107
- easiness 98
- baronetcies 38
- soul mate 41
- Vary 153
- Remedy 177
- therein 204
- Capri 63
- schedule 558
- golf 492
- Tout 184
- oversee 204
- sovereign 222
- fund-raising 109
- inflect 62
- grasmere 37
- moggy 76
- condolence 219
- durable 444
- Staid 17
- immediate 484
- headhunter 56
- infanticide 80
- altarage 66
- striation 65
- funk 142
- packing 182
- Liberalism 241
- someway 43
- map 356
- anterior 166
- oxtail 54
- Vacillation 146
- hoopla 69
- nimbus 84
- tid 84
- wiseacre 60
- upkeep 222
- billet-doux 67
- Casualty 62
- determine 539
- Stomach 119
- steamer 498
- Pall 140
- decree 255
- contretemps 98
- overinflation 44
- earmuff 89
- swimming bath 12
- enjoin 117
- commemoration 120
- homestead 138
- crust 545
- Tambourine 174
- gobbed 45
- surreptitious 71
- cotton bud 107
- rain 175
- Drunk 153
- clubbiness 53
- raven 175
- levitate 90
- lollingly 30
- bank 281
- equivalent 527
- profanation 60
- breakup 298
- hazel 60
- burp 117
- boisterous 166
- pancetta 46
- Forbiddingly 38
- grindstone 101
- thank you 55
- Cost-effective 99
- paradoxical 83
- millstone 55
- puny 90
- -rd 50
- megachurch 43
- finish with 99
- rattled 76
- touch for 85
- Senior 149
- thunder 543
- Lastly 51
- Ritual 184
- Enjoy 138
- nimbi 35
- robes 32
- ribby 75
- Sneer 83
- Epitome 46
- alightment 43
- intuit 94
- temperamentally 155
- bleep 141
- mosey 70
- bribery 283
- image 655
- Scavenger 113
- spirituality 62
- Expert 181
- Weird 156
- Perpendicular 48
- credibility 126
- first lady 111
- gunner 86
- mind blowing 72
- crawl 527
- hammerhead 50
- regularity 207
- consult 600
- mas 34
- retarded 266
- Medalist 69
- Inducement 62
- completely 376
- lutanist 35
- Look up 109
- settle 524
- Petitioning 67
- foreleg 156
- Intended 204
- tough 517
- charismatic 90
- neutralist 29
- fendy 47
- vanish 488
- nosedive 83
- Oxygen 218
- zambia 49
- cut out 159
- unsurprisingly 67
- genie 113
- overboard 145
- hieroglyphics 42
- interplanetary 74
- Auxiliary 110
- scud 125
- self respecting 83
- centrist 136
- quickly 139
- adv 85
- thinking cap 57
- enchanter 107
- edmonton 118
- Prisoners 55
- ingrowing 55
- for your information 38
- siting 31
- flick 154
- charmed circle 88
- conducive 204
- scribblingly 44
break
39 ENTRIES FOUND:
Learner's definition of BREAK
1
: to separate (something) into parts or pieces often in a sudden and forceful or violent way打破；使破裂；折断
[+ object]
- She broke the cup when she dropped it on the floor.她把杯子掉在地上打碎了。
- I broke the stick in two/half. = I broke the stick into two pieces.我把棍子折成了两截。
- Break the chocolate bar into pieces so that everyone can have some.把巧克力条掰碎，这样每个人都能分到一点。
- It is easiest to break a chain at its weakest link.链条最薄弱的地方最容易折断。
[no object]
- The cup broke (into bits/pieces) when it fell on the floor.杯子掉在地上摔碎了。
- A chain will break at its weakest link.链条会在最薄弱的地方断裂。
2
: to cause (a bone) to separate into two or more pieces摔断，折断（骨头）
[+ object]
- He fell and broke [=fractured] his collarbone.他摔断了锁骨。
- He broke his arm in the accident. [=one of the bones in his arm was broken in the accident]他在那次事故中折断了胳膊。
- The fall broke his arm.这一跤摔断了他的胳膊。
[no object]
- His arm broke in three places when he fell.他摔了一跤，胳膊三处骨折。
3
[no object] : to open suddenly especially because of pressure from inside破裂 — see also break open (below)
- The blister broke.水疱破了。
- A bruise forms when a blood vessel breaks under the skin.瘀青是皮下血管破裂形成的。
4
a [+ object] : to cause (something, such as a machine) to stop working by damaging it损坏；弄坏
- He broke his watch when he dropped it on the floor.他把手表掉在地上摔坏了。
- I'm afraid I've broken your phone.不好意思，我弄坏了你的电话。
b [no object] : to stop working because of being damaged被损坏；破损；坏掉 — see also break down (below)
- His watch broke when he dropped it on the floor.他把手表掉到地上，手表摔坏了。
- The pump recently broke.水泵最近出故障了。
5
: to split or divide (something) into smaller units or parts（使）分裂；（使）分成较小的单元（或部分） — see also break into (below)
[+ object]
- The word “singing” can be broken (up) into the two syllables “sing-” and “-ing.”单词singing可以分成sing-和-ing两个音节。
- They broke the corporation (up) into several smaller companies.他们把这家大公司拆分成几家小公司。
[no object]
- The corporation broke (up) into several smaller companies.这家大公司拆分成了几家小公司。
6
[+ object]
a : to go through or make a hole in (a surface, someone's skin, etc.)穿破，弄破，擦破（皮肤等的表面）
- There is no risk of infection if the dog's bite did not break [=puncture] the skin.没有被狗咬破皮肤就没有被感染的风险。
- A large fish broke the surface of the water.一条大鱼冒出水面。
b : to go through (something) by using force用力弄破 — usually used figuratively通常用作比喻 — see also break down (below), break through (below)
- Use a knife to break the seal.用刀拆开封条。
- The ceremony is to celebrate people who broke racial barriers in the music industry.这一庆典是为了表彰音乐界那些冲破种族藩篱的人们。
c : to cut into and turn over the surface of (the ground, soil, etc.)犁地；破土 — see also break ground at 1ground
- The farmer uses a plow to break the soil.农民用犁耕地。
7
[+ object] : to fail to do what is required by (a law, a promise, etc.)违反（法律等）；违背（承诺等）
- She may not have broken the law, but she acted wrongly.或许她还没有违法，但她确实做错了。
- You broke your promise.你食言了。
- Students who break the rules will be punished.违规的学生要受到处罚。
- He broke the contract by failing to make the payments on time.他因未按时付款而违约。
- You can get fined for breaking the speed limit. [=for driving faster than you are legally allowed to drive]你要是超速行驶，就会被罚款。
8
a : to destroy or defeat (something) by using force or pressure（强行或通过施压）瓦解，削弱
[+ object]
- They kept putting pressure on him, but they couldn't break his spirit/determination/resistance.虽然他们不断给他施压，但却无法瓦解他的精神/决心/抵抗。
- They finally broke his will to resist.他们最终击垮了他的抵抗意志。
[no object]
- His spirit/determination will never break.他的精神/决心永远不会被瓦解。
b [+ object] : to defeat or ruin (someone) : to cause (someone) to fail or to stop trying or fighting打败，毁掉（某人）；使屈服 — see also break down (below), make-or-break
- He swore that he would break his rivals/competitors.他发誓要打败对手/竞争者。
- They kept putting pressure on him, but they couldn't break him.虽然他们不断给他施压，但却无法使他屈服。
- These huge losses are going to break [=ruin] me financially!这些重大损失将使我倾家荡产！
- This film could make or break her career. [=the success or failure of her career could depend on the success or failure of this film]这部电影将决定她演艺事业的成败。
c [no object] : to lose your health, mental or physical strength, or control（身体或精神上）崩溃，垮掉 — usually + under — see also break down (below)
- The witness broke under questioning.证人禁不住询问而崩溃了。
- I was afraid I would break under the strain of constant uncertainty.在持续的不确定性的压力下，我恐怕自己会垮掉。
d [+ object] : to train (a wild animal) to behave in a way that is useful to people驯化；驯服
- special equipment used to break horses驯马专用设备
9
[+ object]
a : to cause the end of (something that is strong or that has continued for a long time)终止；使停止
- A group of moderates from both parties are negotiating to break the deadlock in Congress.两党中的温和派正在协商打破双方在国会对立的僵局。
- Many people in the industry were very upset when the government broke the strike.政府挫败了罢工，行业内许多人士对此感到很烦恼。
- He decided to break all ties/links with them. [=to end all connections with them]他决定和他们断绝所有关系。
- She scored a goal in the last minute of the game, breaking a 2-2 tie.她在比赛最后一分钟进球，打破了2：2的平局。
- It's never easy to break [=kick, give up] a bad habit.改掉坏习惯绝非易事。
b : to cause (someone) to give up a habit使…放弃习惯 — + of
- His friends have tried everything to break him of his smoking habit. [=have tried everything to make him stop smoking]他的朋友们想尽了一切办法帮他戒烟。
10
[+ object]
a : to interrupt (something)打断；中断；打破 — see also break up 4 (below)
- The peaceful silence of the evening was broken by a sudden shout.突然一声叫喊打破了夜晚的宁静。
- The commotion broke my train of thought.一阵喧哗打断了我的思绪。
- The sudden noise broke my concentration. [=made it impossible for me to concentrate]突然的声响分散了我的注意力。
- Sometimes I sing while I'm driving, just to break (up) the monotony of my commute.有时我边开车边唱歌，只是为了在上下班路上解解闷。
- The horizon line was broken only by a few stands of trees in the distance.地平线仅仅被远处的几片树丛隔断了。
- The planes broke formation [=stopped flying together in an organized group] and took off in different directions.飞机打乱队形，朝不同的方向飞去。
b : to cause (something, such as a curse or spell) to no longer be effective使（咒语、魔法等）失效；破除
- a mystic who claimed to be able to break curses声称能够破除咒语的神秘主义者
11
[no object] : to stop an activity (such as working) for a brief period of time（工作等）暂停
- Let's break for lunch. [=let's take a break for lunch; let's temporarily stop working and eat lunch]咱们休息一会儿，吃个午饭。
12
a [+ object] : to tell (bad news) to someone in a kind or gentle way（婉转地）透露，说出（坏消息）
- I know she'll be very upset when she finds out she didn't get the job, so please try to break it to her gently.我知道当她发现自己没有获得那份工作时会非常沮丧，所以请设法婉转地告诉她这件事。
b [+ object] : to make (something, such as news) publicly known for the first time（率先）报道，披露
- The local TV station was the first to break the news about the President's visit.这家地方电视台率先报道了总统到访的消息。
c [no object] of news : to become publicly known（消息）公开
- The story broke yesterday. [=the story was reported for the first time yesterday]这条消息昨天首次被披露。
- People were shocked when (news of) the scandal first broke.丑闻一经披露，人们感到震惊。
13
[+ object] : to reduce the speed or force of (something)减缓
- The bushes beneath the window helped to break his fall. [=helped make his fall less forceful]窗户下的灌木丛减缓了他落地时的冲击力。
- She walked straight across the room without breaking (her) stride. [=without pausing or slowing down]她径直穿过房间，没有放慢脚步。
14
[+ object]
a : to be higher or more than (a specified number, measurement, etc.)超过
- The temperature is expected to break 90 (degrees Fahrenheit) today.今日气温预计要超过90华氏度。
b : to do better than (a record)打破（纪录）
- She ran a great race and almost broke the world record. [=she almost ran the race faster than anyone in the world has ever run it]她赛跑时表现出色，差一点儿打破世界纪录。
- He set a record that may never be broken.他创造了一个可能无法被打破的纪录。
c : to have a score that is lower than or higher than (a specified total)得分（低于或高于规定总分）
- golfers trying to break 90 [=to have a score below 90]试图打出低于90杆成绩的高尔夫球手
- bowlers trying to break 200 [=to have a score above 200]试图突破200分的保龄球手
15
[+ object]
a : to find or provide an explanation or solution for (something, such as a criminal case)破案；破解
- The detective finally broke [=solved] the case.侦探最终破了案。
- The detective found the evidence that broke the case.侦探找到了破案的证据。
b : to find the meaning of (a secret code)破译（密码）
- A team of experts was finally able to break the code and decipher the meaning of the message.专家小组最终破解了密码，译出了讯息的内容。
16
[no object]
a of the weather : to change by becoming rainy, clear, cool, etc., after a long time（天气）突变
- waiting for the weather to break等待变天
- The heat wave should finally break [=end] tomorrow.明天高温酷暑期终于要结束了。
b of clouds : to separate so that the sky or sun can be seen（云）散去
- The clouds broke and the fog dissipated, revealing blue sky above.云开雾散，蓝天重现。
c of a storm : to start suddenly（暴风雨）突然来临
- Everyone ran to get indoors when the storm broke. [=when it began to rain]暴雨突降，大家都跑进室内避雨。
17
[no object] literary : to begin when the sun rises（天）破晓 — see also daybreak
- They left just as day was breaking. [=just as the sun was rising]天刚破晓他们便离开了。
- The dawn was breaking.晨曦初露。
18
[no object]
a : to begin running quickly开始快跑
- Everyone broke [=dashed, ran] for cover.大家都跑向避雨处。
b : to stop fighting and run away溃败
- When the enemy charged, our troops broke and ran.敌人发起冲锋，我们的部队溃败逃跑。
19
[+ object]
a : to give smaller bills or coins for (a large bill)把（大额钞票）换成零钱
- Can you break [=change] a $20 bill for me?你能为我兑开一张20美元的钞票吗？
b : to use (a large bill) to pay for something that costs much less than the value of the bill（为购买小额商品而）破开（大额钞票）
- I didn't want to break a $20 bill just to buy something for a dollar.我不想只为买1美元的东西而破开20美元的钞票。
20
[no object] of a wave : to curl over and fall onto or near land（浪）拍打
- the sound of waves breaking against/over/on the rocks海浪拍打岩石的声音
21
[no object]
a of someone's voice : to change sharply in tone or pitch because of strong emotion（因强烈的情绪）声调突变
- Her voice was breaking with emotion as she said goodbye.说再见时，她情绪激动，声音变了调。
b of a boy's voice : to change from the high voice of a boy to the lower voice of a man（男孩的）声音变粗，变声
- an adolescent boy whose voice is breaking变声期的青少年
22
[no object] sports, of a thrown or struck ball : to turn or curve（球）转向，曲线飞行
- The putt broke to the left as it neared the hole.轻击一杆，球向洞口滚去时偏向了左侧。
- a pitch that breaks away from the batter偏离了击球手的投球
- The pitcher threw a breaking ball. [=a pitch that curves]投手投出一个曲线球。
23
tennis : to win against (an opponent who is serving)破（对手的）发球局；接发球得分
[+ object]
- The challenger broke the champion in the final set. = The challenger broke the champion's serve in the final set.最后一盘挑战者破了卫冕冠军的发球局。
[no object]
- The challenger broke in the final set but the champion broke back to even the score.最后一盘挑战者破了发球局，但卫冕冠军又破发对方一局，双方打成平局。
24
[no object] : to happen or develop发生；发展
- For the team to succeed, everything has to break right for them. [=for the team to succeed, they have to be lucky]团队要想成功，必须诸事皆顺。
- Things have been breaking [=going] well for the company in the past six months.在过去的六个月中，公司诸事顺利。
break a leg
break a sweat
break away
[phrasal verb] 1
: to get away from someone or something especially by using force or effort强行逃脱；挣脱 — usually + from — often used figuratively常用作比喻
- Large pieces of the rock ledge have broken away. [=broken free]峭壁上的大块岩石已经掉落。
- He broke away [=broke free/loose] from his captors and escaped.他从追捕者手里逃了出来。
- She broke away [=pulled away] from the other runners to win the race.她甩掉了其他选手，赢得了赛跑比赛。
- The company has broken away from the competition.这家公司在竞争中脱颖而出。
- young people breaking away from traditional values抛弃传统价值观的年轻人
2
: to separate or become separate from a larger group, country, etc.离开；脱离 — usually + from — see also breakaway
- Three members of the band broke away and formed their own group.三名成员离开乐队，另起炉灶。
- a faction that has broken away from the main political party脱离主要政党的一个派系
break bread
break camp
break cover
break down
[phrasal verb] 1
a of a machine : to stop working properly（机器）损坏，出故障 — see also 1break 4 (above)
- Our car broke down on the highway.我们的汽车在公路上抛锚了。
- This old motorcycle is constantly breaking down.这辆旧摩托车老是出毛病。
b : to fail or stop usually in a complete and sudden way失败；突然停止
- Negotiations have broken down. [=collapsed]谈判已经破裂。
- The government's argument broke down completely when new evidence came to light.新证据一经曝光，政府的辩解就完全站不住脚了。
- Their marriage had broken down [=failed], and there was nothing to do about it.他们的婚姻已经破裂，无法挽救了。
2
a : to become overwhelmed by strong emotions感情失控；感情崩溃 — see also 1break 8c (above)
- She broke down and started to cry. = She broke down in tears.她无法自抑地哭起来。
b break down or break (someone) down or break down (someone) : to lose or cause (someone) to lose strength or the ability to resist or fight（使某人）垮掉，变得衰弱 — see also 1break 8b (above)
- The prisoner finally broke down under intensive questioning.在强大的审问攻势下，囚犯的精神防线终于崩溃了。
- She finally broke down and got a cell phone. [=she bought a cell phone after resisting the desire to buy one for a long time]她最终禁不住诱惑，还是买了一部手机。
- Intensive questioning finally broke the prisoner down.强大的审问攻势最终使囚犯精神防线崩溃。
3
break down or break (something) down or break down (something)
a : to become separated or to separate (something) into simpler substances（使）分解
- The foods you eat break down in the body's digestive system.吃下去的食物在消化系统中分解。
- The body's digestive system breaks food down.身体的消化系统分解食物。
- Water can be broken down into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis. = Water can break down into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis.通过电解作用，水会被分解为氢气和氧气。
b : to be able to be divided or to divide (something) into parts or groups（使）分为
- The report breaks down into three sections. = The report is broken down into three sections. [=the report has three sections]报告分为三个部分。
- The author has broken down the nation's history into three distinct periods.作者把这个国家的历史分为三个不同的时期。
4
break (something) down or break down (something) : to use force to push (something) to the ground拆除；捣毁 — sometimes used figuratively有时用作比喻 — see also breakdown
- break a door down把门拆除
- break down a barrier清除障碍
- They are working to break down legal barriers to integration.他们正致力于消除一体化进程中的法律障碍。
break even
: to take in as much money as you spend : to operate without either a loss or a profit不盈不亏；收支平衡 — see also break-even
- After years of losing money the company is starting to break even and hopes to make a profit soon.多年亏损之后，这家公司开始收支平衡，希望不久就会赢利。
break faith with
break free
: to become able to move or escape by using force or effort挣脱；逃脱 : to get away from someone or something that holds or limits you摆脱 — often + from or of
- The prisoner struggled to break free.囚犯挣扎着想要逃脱。
- She wanted to break free from the constraints of her middle-class life.她想摆脱她的中产阶级生活的束缚。
- an animal struggling to break free of a trap挣扎着要逃出陷阱的动物
break from
[phrasal verb] break from (someone or something)
: to end a relationship, connection, or agreement with (someone or something)与…断绝关系；与…决裂
- She recently broke from [=broke with] the organization she helped found.最近，她脱离了自己参与创建的组织。
- breaking from [=breaking with] tradition/stereotypes抛弃传统/陈规
break ground
break in
[phrasal verb] 1
: to enter a house, building, etc., illegally非法强行闯入（房屋、建筑等） — see also break into 1 (below), break-in
- Someone tried to break in while we were away.有人试图在我们外出时破门而入。
2
: to interrupt or disturb someone or something打断；插嘴 — see also break into 4 (below)
- I was listening to my favorite radio program when a reporter broke in with news about a storm.我正在收听最喜爱的广播节目，突然间插播了暴风雨来袭的天气预报。
- We were having a chat when he rudely broke in (on it).我们正聊着天，他突然无礼地插嘴。
3
break in or break (someone) in or break in (someone) : to start or help (someone) to start a new activity, job, etc.开始从事；培养
- Baseball was very different when he first broke in [=started playing] as a catcher in 1962.*1962年他刚开始做接球手的时候，棒球运动和现在的大不一样。
- The job involves a wide variety of tasks, so we try to break new employees in gradually.这份工作涉及方方面面的事情，所以我们设法逐步培养新员工。
- The band is breaking in a new backup singer.乐队正在培养新的后备歌手。
4
break (something) in or break in (something)
a : to use (something, such as a new pair of shoes) for a period of time so that it becomes comfortable（使用一段时间后）使（新鞋等）变舒适
- The shoes were tight when she first got them, so she broke them in by wearing them around the house for a few days.她刚穿那双鞋时觉得有点紧，所以在家穿着走了几天使鞋合脚。
b : to operate (a new machine) carefully for a period of time until it is ready for regular use磨合（新机器）
- You shouldn't drive a new car too fast while you're breaking it in.新车正处在磨合期，你不应该开太快。
break into
[phrasal verb] 1
break into (something)
: to enter (a house, building, etc.) illegally and especially by using force非法强行闯入（房屋、建筑等） — see also break in 1 (above)
- Someone tried to break into our house while we were away.有人试图在我们外出时破门而入。
2
: to begin to do or have (something) suddenly突然发生
- She broke into tears. [=she suddenly began to cry]她突然哭了起来。
- The audience broke into applause. [=the audience suddenly began applauding]观众中突然爆发出掌声。
- His face broke into a smile. [=he suddenly smiled]他脸上突然露出笑容。
- The horse broke into a gallop. [=the horse suddenly began to gallop]马突然飞奔起来。
- She broke into song. [=she suddenly began to sing]她突然唱起歌来。
3
: to enter or get started in (something, such as a profession)进入，开始从事（某种职业等）
- I knew her when she was a young actress trying to break into show business.我认识她时，她还是个努力进入娱乐圈的年轻女演员。
4
: to interrupt (something)打断 — see also break in 2 (above)
- The network broke into the program with a special news report.那家广播电视公司在节目中间插播了一则特别新闻报道。
break loose
1
: to suddenly become loose : to suddenly stop being attached to something突然松脱
- One of the shutters broke loose during the storm.暴风雨中一扇百叶窗松动了。
2
: to get away from someone or something by using force or effort挣脱；摆脱 — often + from — see also all hell breaks loose at hell
- The prisoner broke loose [=broke free] and ran away.囚犯挣脱后逃跑了。
- The prisoner broke loose from the guards.囚犯挣脱了看守。
- She wants to break loose from the constraints of her middle-class life.她想摆脱她的中产阶级生活的束缚。
break new ground
break off
[phrasal verb] 1
break off or break off (something) or break (something) off or break (something) off (something) : to become separated or cause (something) to become separated because of force or violence（使）断开；折断
- The piece of plaster broke off easily.石膏块很容易断裂。
- The handle broke off when I accidentally dropped the cup.我不小心把杯子掉在地上，杯子把儿摔断了。
- I accidentally broke the cup's handle off. = I accidentally broke the handle off the cup.我不小心把杯子把儿弄断了。
- I broke [=tore] a piece of bread off (the loaf) and ate it.我掰下一块面包吃了。
2
break off or break off (something) : to stop or end suddenly or cause (something) to stop or end suddenly（使）突然停止
- The speaker broke off (speaking) in the middle of a sentence.演讲者话讲了半句，突然停了下来。
- At that point the recording suddenly breaks off. [=ends]在那一刻，录音突然中断了。
- The two countries have broken off diplomatic relations.这两个国家断绝了外交关系。
- The negotiations resumed soon after they were broken off.谈判在中断之后不久又重新开始了。
- They had a fight and broke off [=called off] their engagement.一场争吵之后，他们解除了婚约。
break open
[phrasal verb] break open or break open (something) or break (something) open
: to open or to cause (something) to open suddenly（使）开，突然打开，开启 — see also 1break 3 (above)
- The pods broke open and the seeds scattered on the wind.荚果裂开，种子随风飘散了。
- The police broke open the door.警察砸开房门。
- The burglars broke open the locked safe.入室窃贼砸开了上锁的保险柜。
break out
[phrasal verb] 1
: to begin happening suddenly爆发；突发
- A fire broke out in the kitchen.厨房突然起火了。
- A riot broke out in the prison.监狱里爆发了骚乱。
- There is a danger that war could break out soon.形势危急，战争一触即发。
2
a : to suddenly begin to have sweat, a rash, etc., on your skin突然出汗（或皮疹等）
- He broke out in a sweat. [=he began to sweat]他突然出了一身冷汗。
- Eating strawberries makes her break out in hives. = Eating strawberries makes her break out.吃草莓使她突然起了荨麻疹。
b : to appear on the skin suddenly（皮肤上）突然出现
- Sweat broke out on his forehead.他额头上冒出汗来。
- A rash broke out on her skin.她皮肤上突然出现一片红疹。
3
: to escape from a prison, jail, etc.逃跑；逃脱；越狱 — often + of — often used figuratively常用作比喻
- Six prisoners were caught attempting to break out.六名囚犯企图越狱时被抓获了。
- Six prisoners attempted to break out of the jail.六名囚犯试图越狱。
- The team is trying to break out of its slump. [=is trying to end its slump]球队正努力打破颓势。
- We need to break out of the financial rut we're in.我们需要摆脱财务上的碌碌无为。
break rank
break someone's heart
break step
break the back of
break the bank
break the ice
break the mold
break through
[phrasal verb] 1
break through or break through (something)
: to use force to get through (something, such as a barrier)冲破；突围；突破 — sometimes used figuratively有时用作比喻 — see also 1break 6b (above)
- The enemy attacked our defenses but they weren't able to break through.敌人攻击我们的防线，但未能冲破。
- The enemy finally broke through our defenses and defeated us.敌人最终突破了我们的防线，击败了我们。
- The prisoners broke through the wall and escaped.囚犯们冲出围墙越狱逃跑了。
- The organization is committed to breaking through the barriers of poverty.这个组织致力于打破贫穷壁垒。
2
of the sun : to shine through (clouds)（太阳）破云而出
- The sun finally began to break through. = The sun finally began to break through the clouds.阳光终于透过云层照射出来。
break up
[phrasal verb] 1
break up or break (something) up or break up (something)
a : to separate into parts or pieces or cause (something) to separate into parts or pieces（使）分散，分解；拆散
- The asteroid broke up [=disintegrated] when it hit the Earth's atmosphere.小行星进入地球大气层后解体了。
- Enzymes help break up protein molecules.酶有助于分解蛋白质分子。
- break up a large estate分割大笔遗产
b : to end or cause (something) to end（使）结束；终止
- The demonstration broke up when the police arrived.警察一来，示威游行就结束了。
- The party began to break up shortly after midnight.刚过午夜，聚会就结束了。
- The police broke up the demonstration.警察驱散了示威人群。
- He got hurt while trying to break up a fight.他试图阻止一场打斗，结果自己受了伤。
- break up a terrorist organization解散一个恐怖组织
2
break up : to end a romantic relationship, marriage, etc.分手；离婚；断绝交往 — often + with
- They dated for years but recently broke up.他们谈了多年恋爱，但最近分手了。
- I hear that he and his wife have broken up. = I hear that their marriage has broken up.我听说他和妻子离婚了。
- He broke up with his girlfriend.他和女友分手了。
3
break up or break (someone) up US, informal : to begin laughing or cause (someone) to begin laughing suddenly and in a way that is difficult to control（使）不禁大笑
- I always break up [=crack up] when I hear that joke.听到那个笑话时，我总是忍不住大笑。
- Everyone broke up [=burst into laughter, busted out laughing] when they saw what he was wearing.看到他的一身穿戴，大家都不禁大笑起来。
- That joke always breaks me up. [=cracks me up]那个笑话总让我忍不住大笑。
4
break (something) up or break up (something)
a : to change the regular quality or appearance of (something)打破（常规）；改变（外表） — see also 1break 10 (above)
- break up a dull routine打破单调的常规
- A chimney breaks up the line of the level roof.一个烟囱打破了这个屋顶平齐的轮廓。
- break up a text with pictures在文字中穿插图片
b : to separate the parts of (something) so that it is not complete使分开；使不完整
- The seller was unwilling to break up the dining room set by selling one of the chairs.卖家不愿从整套餐厅家具中拆出一把椅子来单卖。
- The owner broke up the team by trading many of the best players.老板把许多一流球员转会出售，结果球队也解散了。
5
break up British, of a school : to come to the end of a period of instruction (such as a term)（学校）期末放假 — see also breakup
- School broke up for the summer last Friday.自上周五学校开始放暑假。
break wind
break with
[phrasal verb] break with (someone or something)
: to end a relationship, connection, or agreement with (someone or something)与…断绝关系；与…决裂
- He broke with his former friends and colleagues when he decided to support the conservative candidate.由于决定支持保守派候选人，他与昔日的朋友和同事都决裂了。
- a strong desire to break with tradition/the past与传统/过去决裂的强烈愿望
- A number of people have broken with the church over this issue.有些人因为这一问题和教会决裂了。
2 break /ˈbreɪk/ noun
plural breaks
2 break
/ˈbreɪk/
noun
plural breaks
Learner's definition of BREAK
1
[count]
a : a crack, hole, etc., that is caused by damage, injury, or pressure（因损坏、损伤或挤压造成的）裂缝，裂口
- The tank is reinforced to prevent breaks and leaks.储液罐已加固以防破裂或泄漏。
- The break [=fracture] in her arm will take months to heal.她手臂骨折要几个月才能痊愈。
- Watch out for breaks [=(more commonly) cracks] in the ice.小心冰面上的裂缝。
b : an opening or space in something缺口 : an opening that makes it possible for someone or something to enter or pass through something（可供某人或某物进入或通过的）缺口，裂缝，间隙
- There was a break [=gap] in the clouds.云层中出现了罅隙。
- There was a break in the hedge/fence.树篱/栅栏上有一个缺口。
- We waited for a break in the traffic.我们在等待车流的间隙。
2
[count] : something that causes a change or interruption改变；中断
- She gets upset over any little break in her routine. [=anything that changes/interrupts her routine]任何影响她日常生活的事都会使她烦恼。
- The fields extend for miles without a break.田野绵延不断数英里。
3
[count]
a : a time when something stops（某事的）暂停，停顿，间歇
- It has rained for five days without a break. [=it has been raining constantly for five days]雨已经连续下了五天。
- We chatted during a break in the game.我们在比赛的间歇聊了一会儿。
- It rained all day. We waited for a break in the weather [=we waited for a time when the rain stopped], but it never came.雨下了一整天。我们等待雨停的时刻，但是雨却一直未停。
b : a brief period of time during which someone stops an activity暂停；（短暂的）休息
- I'm tired. Let's take a break. [=let's stop doing whatever we are doing for a short period of time]我累了，咱们休息一会儿吧。
- It was a long drive, but we took lots of breaks. [=we briefly stopped driving many times]车程漫长，但是我们多次停下来休息。
- a bathroom break [=a brief period of time when you stop doing something in order to use a bathroom]上卫生间时间；
especially : a brief period of time during which a worker is allowed to rest, eat, etc., instead of working（尤指）员工在工作期间的用餐及休息时间等 — see also coffee break, lunch break
- All employees are entitled to two breaks during the workday.所有员工在每个工作日都有两段休息时间。
- We've been working all day without a break.我们整天都在工作，没有歇过。
- It's only five minutes until break time. [=the time when workers are supposed to stop working for a brief period of time]距离休息时间只有五分钟了。
c : a longer period of time when someone is not working or doing some other activity（较长的）休息时间
- The long weekend provided her with a much-needed break (from her job).长周末为她提供了（工作之后）急需的休息时间。
d : a time when many people are not working or going to school because of a holiday, vacation, etc.假期 — see also spring break
- She went home to visit her parents during (the) winter break.她在寒假期间回家探望了父母。
- What are your plans for (the) Thanksgiving break?感恩节假期你计划做什么？
4
[count] : a planned interruption in a radio or television program（电台或电视节目）插播广告的间隙 — see also station break
- a break for a commercial = a commercial break播放广告的间歇
- We'll be back with more after the break.广告之后我们将带给大家更多详情。
5
[singular] : a sudden fast run : dash急冲；突然起跑
- The runner made a break for second base. [=the runner suddenly ran toward second base]跑垒员突然跑向二垒。
especially : a fast run by someone who is trying to escape（尤指）快速奔跑以逃脱 — see also jailbreak
- The prisoner made a (sudden) break for the door.囚犯（突然）向门口冲去。
- The prisoner made a break for it/freedom and got away.囚犯越狱逃跑了。
6
[count] : a situation or event that is lucky or unlucky运气；机缘
- a series of unlucky/bad breaks一连串的厄运
- Finding a hotel with a vacancy and low prices was a lucky/good break for us.能找到有空房而且价格优惠的旅馆，我们真的是交好运了。
especially : a lucky situation or event that makes success possible（尤指）好运气
- She's still hoping to get her big/lucky break in show business.她依然期望在娱乐圈交上好运。
- She got the breaks she needed to succeed.她时来运转，成功了。
- She gets all the breaks. [=she is very lucky]她非常幸运。
- For the team to succeed, all the breaks will have to go their way. [=they will have to be lucky]球队要想获胜，得有幸运之神相助。
- (US) I just can't seem to catch a break. [=I am unlucky; I never have good luck]我似乎就是运气不好。
◊ Informal expressions like those are the breaks and that's the breaks mean that something bad or unlucky should be thought of or accepted as the kind of thing that often happens to people.不走运的事情常有
- I'm disappointed that I didn't get the job, but those are the breaks. I'll keep trying.没能得到那份工作，我感到失望，但谁都会碰到这种事。我会继续努力。
7
[count] : something that helps a particular person or group（对某人或某团体）有帮助的事物
- Can you give me a break on the price? = Can I get a break on the price? [=can you lower the price for me?]你能给我打个折扣吗？
- People with small children are being given a tax break. [=are being required to pay less in taxes than other people]有小孩儿的家长可获得减税的优惠。
8
[singular]
a : a sudden ending of a relationship（关系的）突然终结
- The crisis has caused a break (in diplomatic relations) between the two countries.危机导致两国的（外交）关系中断。
- If you don't want to keep dating him, you should just make a clean break [=you should end your relationship quickly] instead of dragging it out.如果不想继续和他交往，你应当快刀斩乱麻，不要拖拖拉拉。
- She talked about leaving her husband for years, but she never found the courage to make the break.多年来，她一直在说要离开她的丈夫，但是她却没有勇气做个了断。
b : a change from what was done before（对过去所做的）改变 — usually + with or from
- We need to make a clean break with the past. [=we need to stop doing things as they were done in the past and start doing them in a completely new way]我们需要彻底改变过去的做法。
- The company has made a sharp break with tradition.这家公司已完全抛弃传统的经营方式。
- Her latest novel marks a complete break with/from her earlier fiction. [=her latest novel is completely different from her earlier fiction]她最近创作的这部小说与早期的作品完全不同。
9
[noncount] literary黎明；破晓 — used in the phrase break of day to refer to the time of morning when the sun can first be seen
- We left at (the) break of day. [=(more commonly) dawn, sunrise, daybreak]天刚刚破晓，我们便离开了。
10
[count] : a sharp change in the tone or pitch of someone's voice（音调或音高的）突变
- There was a break [=(more commonly) crack] in her voice as she said goodbye.她说再见时，声音哽咽了。
11
[noncount] sports : a curve in the path of a thrown or hit ball（球的）弧线飞行，曲线飞行
- The batter was fooled completely by the break on the pitch.击球手完全被投出的球的曲线飞行迷惑了。
- The putt had a lot of break. [=the putt curved a lot]推球未能入洞，拐了一个大弯。
12
[count] tennis : the act of defeating an opponent who is serving破对手发球
- a service break破对手发球
give me a break
informal 1
— used to tell someone to stop bothering you or treating you unfairly别烦我了；别再折磨我了
- “Aren't you finished yet?” “Give me a break! I only started 10 minutes ago!”“你还没做完吗？”“别烦我了！我10分钟前才开始！”
2
— used to say that you do not believe or are disgusted about what someone has said or done别胡扯了（表示不相信或厌恶）
- “He says he went to Harvard.” “Give me a break! I doubt he even graduated from high school!”“他说他在哈佛大学学习过。”“别胡扯了！我甚至怀疑他是否读完了高中！”
- He wants more money? Give me a break! [=it's ridiculous/outrageous that he wants more money]他想要更多的钱？亏他能说出口！
give (someone) a break
: to stop treating (someone) in a strict or harsh way不再苛求（某人）
- Don't criticize him so much. He's doing the best he can. Why don't you give him a break?不要那么严厉地批评他。他在尽其所能。为什么不能对他和蔼一点呢？
1
b(1)
: to cause (a bone) to separate into two or more pieces : fracture
(3)
: to dislocate or dislocate and fracture a bone of (the neck or back)
c
: to cause an open wound in : rupture
13
c
tennis : to win against (an opponent's service)
d
football : to make (a run) by getting past defenders
15
a
: to find an explanation or solution for : solve
b
: to discover the essentials of (a code or cipher system)
1
h
boxing : to separate after an instance of holding an opponent at close quarters : to separate after a clinch
3
: the action or act of entering, escaping, or emerging from something (such as darkness) often in a sudden or violent way : the action or act of breaking in, breaking out, or breaking forth
4
: a place or situation at which a break occurs: such as
a
: the place at which a word is divided especially at the end of a line of print or writing
b
: the location at which waves curl over and fall apart in surf or foam : the point at which waves break (see break entry 1 sense 2c) for surfing
5
b(1)
(2)
: a respite from work, school, or duty
(3)
: relief from annoyance —often used to express exasperation or irritation in phrases like give me a break
c
baseball : deviation of a pitched ball from a straight line
d
mining : fault, dislocation
e
horseback riding : failure of a horse to maintain the prescribed gait
f(1)
: an abrupt change in musical or vocal pitch or quality
especially : the point between two distinctive musical registers of a voice or a wind instrument
(2)
(3)
: a quick shift from one rhythmic track to another in the same tempo and key on a different turntable
g
tennis : the action or an instance of winning against an opponent's service : the action or an instance of breaking (see break entry 1 sense 13c) service
h
music : a usually solo instrumental passage in jazz, folk, or popular music
8
a
: the start of a race
b
boxing : the act of separating after an instance of holding an opponent at close quarters : the act of separating after a clinch
Did you know?
Break and Brake: Remembering Which Is Which
It can be hard to apply these words correctly: they sound exactly the same, and their spellings aren't easily connected to their meanings. One of the pair, however, is quite limited in scope, and focusing on when to apply that one can be key.
When the subject is slowing or stopping movement, the word to use is brake. Brake is both a noun, as in "put on the brakes" and "took my foot off the brake," and a verb, as in "brake at the stop sign" and "I brake for moose." As a noun, it's also used before other nouns: "brake fluid," "brake pedal." As in these examples, the word is used in contexts relating to cars, bicycles, and other vehicles. It's also used figuratively, however, to talk about the slowing or stopping of activity, as in "putting the brakes on spending."
Break also functions as both a noun and a verb, and it's the word you want in all other contexts, such as when the topic is something separating into parts or pieces ("the plate will break if it falls," "break a leg," "a bad break"), being damaged to the point of no longer working ("break a watch"), failing to do what is promised ("break a promise"), or referring to a time during which activity stops ("take a break").
If you have difficulty keeping these straight and are inclined to think in pictures, you might want to imagine a foot nestled in the top of the k in brake, pressing that top line down onto the e, which isn't saying a thing, because the k has put the brakes on.
Synonyms
Example Sentences
Verb She broke the cup when she dropped it on the floor. Break the chocolate bar into pieces so that everyone can have some. It is easiest to break a chain at its weakest link. A chain will break at its weakest link. The fall broke his arm. His arm broke in three places when he fell. A bruise forms when a blood vessel breaks under the skin. Noun The tank is reinforced to prevent breaks and leaks. There was a break in the hedge. We waited for a break in the traffic. The fields extend for miles without a break. We chatted during a break in the game. All employees are entitled to two breaks during the workday. We've been working all day without a break. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
NBC News, 18 Sep. 2022 Hammond’s fascination and desire to revive dinosaurs backfires when many of them break free and start to terrorize the park-goers. Evan Hecht, USA TODAY, 17 Sep. 2022 Putin’s strategy was to turn strategic slices of the former Soviet Union into separatist hotbeds to hobble young nations Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, all struggling to break free from Moscow and move closer to Europe. BostonGlobe.com, 17 Sep. 2022 While there are many things that go into getting a great night's sleep — from soft comfortable bedding to room conditions — the make or break factor tends to be the mattress itself. Annie Burdick, Peoplemag, 17 Sep. 2022 The twin aims are to break the morale of Ukrainians and to weaken European public support for Kyiv by raising the price of such solidarity. Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Sep. 2022 At one particularly nasty moment in the mid ’00s, it was perceived that Pitchfork could make or break a career, and because of all the insecurity out there, people bought into it. Orlando Higginbottom, Billboard, 14 Sep. 2022 Heaven knows Godard didn’t make films to win prizes, let alone break box office records. Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2022 Just months earlier, some Indiana Republicans were irked by Young's decision to break with the vast majority of Republicans in Congress and vote in favor of the gun safety reform bill drafted after the shooting in Uvalde, Texas. The Indianapolis Star, 13 Sep. 2022 Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2022 After about 10 minutes, Post Malone got up with help from others, and went to take a break, according to Cantrell. Michelle Watson, David Williams And Zoe Sottile, CNN, 18 Sep. 2022 The popular festival was forced to take a break due to the pandemic but has returned bigger and better in 2022. Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 15 Sep. 2022 Take a break from all of the gory details for a new kind of true-crime series that covers some of the best (and most absurd) financial crimes people have ever committed. Seventeen, 14 Sep. 2022 Gisele Bündchen is opening up about her decision to take a break from her runway career to focus on family. Georgia Slater, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2022 Take a break from hearing or reading about news and media coverage. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2022 Parts of the corridor also give humans a place to take a break from civilization. Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2022 Parents eager to travel and take a break from their kids after quarantine are fueling the services, according to The Times. Chloe Berger, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2022 See More
Verb
And now, the unprecedented weaponization of the Justice Department and the FBI to break into and raid the home of a former president of the United States. NBC News, 18 Sep. 2022 Hammond’s fascination and desire to revive dinosaurs backfires when many of them break free and start to terrorize the park-goers. Evan Hecht, USA TODAY, 17 Sep. 2022 Putin’s strategy was to turn strategic slices of the former Soviet Union into separatist hotbeds to hobble young nations Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, all struggling to break free from Moscow and move closer to Europe. BostonGlobe.com, 17 Sep. 2022 While there are many things that go into getting a great night's sleep — from soft comfortable bedding to room conditions — the make or break factor tends to be the mattress itself. Annie Burdick, Peoplemag, 17 Sep. 2022 The twin aims are to break the morale of Ukrainians and to weaken European public support for Kyiv by raising the price of such solidarity. Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Sep. 2022 At one particularly nasty moment in the mid ’00s, it was perceived that Pitchfork could make or break a career, and because of all the insecurity out there, people bought into it. Orlando Higginbottom, Billboard, 14 Sep. 2022 Heaven knows Godard didn’t make films to win prizes, let alone break box office records. Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2022 Just months earlier, some Indiana Republicans were irked by Young's decision to break with the vast majority of Republicans in Congress and vote in favor of the gun safety reform bill drafted after the shooting in Uvalde, Texas. The Indianapolis Star, 13 Sep. 2022 Noun
Tomato-Caper Sauce Take a break from jarred marinara. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2022 After about 10 minutes, Post Malone got up with help from others, and went to take a break, according to Cantrell. Michelle Watson, David Williams And Zoe Sottile, CNN, 18 Sep. 2022 The popular festival was forced to take a break due to the pandemic but has returned bigger and better in 2022. Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 15 Sep. 2022 Take a break from all of the gory details for a new kind of true-crime series that covers some of the best (and most absurd) financial crimes people have ever committed. Seventeen, 14 Sep. 2022 Gisele Bündchen is opening up about her decision to take a break from her runway career to focus on family. Georgia Slater, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2022 Take a break from hearing or reading about news and media coverage. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2022 Parts of the corridor also give humans a place to take a break from civilization. Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2022 Parents eager to travel and take a break from their kids after quarantine are fueling the services, according to The Times. Chloe Berger, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English breken, going back to Old English brecan, going back to Germanic *brekan- (whence also Old Saxon brekan "to violently separate, shatter," Old High German brehhan, Gothic brikan), going back to Indo-European *bhreg- "violently separate," whence also, with varying ablaut grades, Latin frangere (perfect frēgī) "to break, shatter" and perhaps Old Irish braigid (perfect ro-bebraig) "(s/he) farts, breaks wind"
Noun
Middle English brek, breke, derivative of breken "to break entry 1"
First Known Use
Verb
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of break was before the 12th century Phrases Containing break
noun¹
noun²
noun³
verb
verb
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