To separate into parts with suddenness or violence; to fracture or shatter. verb
She accidentally dropped the vase and it broke into pieces.
The branch broke under the weight of the snow.
To interrupt or stop something, such as a pattern, sequence, or activity. verb
He decided to break the silence with a joke.
The meeting was broken by a sudden power outage.
To violate or fail to observe a rule, law, or agreement. verb
He broke the law by speeding on the highway.
She promised not to break her word.
To make known or reveal something, especially news or information. verb
The journalist was the first to break the news of the scandal.
They broke the story on the evening news.
To change a habit or routine. verb
She is trying to break her habit of biting her nails.
He broke his routine by taking a different route to work.
To surpass a record or achieve a new level of performance. verb
The athlete broke the world record in the 100-meter dash.
She broke her personal best in the marathon.
To become inoperative or cease to function. verb
The washing machine broke down yesterday.
My computer broke, and I need to get it repaired.
To cause emotional distress or to lose spirit. verb
The news of his friend's betrayal broke him.
She was broken by the loss of her pet.