break off

verb

broke off; broken off; breaking off; breaks off
Synonyms of break offnext

intransitive verb

1
: to stop abruptly
break off in the middle of a sentence
2
: to become detached
branches that broke off in the storm
3
: to end a relationship
broke off with his business partner

transitive verb

1
: discontinue
break off diplomatic relations
2
: to remove by or as if by breaking
broke off a chunk of bread

Synonyms of break off

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Examples of break off in a Sentence

the judge broke off court proceedings until after lunch talks between the two sides broke off when one began making unreasonable demands
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The turning point came on the Chiefs’ second drive, when Kenneth Walker broke off a 33-yard touchdown run to extend Kansas City’s lead to 9-0. — Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026 But five fraternities facing sanctions broke off from the university rather than getting into compliance. — Brittany Shammas, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 The only difference was $10 million broken off and sent to the year-old Hope Florida foundation. — Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 Stanford running back Micah Ford broke off for a 81-yard touchdown run in the final quarter to score his fourth touchdown of the game and cement Stanford's 34-7 rout over Elon. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for break off

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of break off was in the 14th century

Rhymes for break off

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Browse Nearby Words

break of day
break off
break of forecastle
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Cite this Entry

“Break off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20off. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

break off

verb
: to stop suddenly
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