breakbreakbreaks2noun1a short time when you stop doing something: We worked all day without a break.2a place where something opens or has broken: The sun shone through a break in the clouds.breakbreakbreaksbrokebreakingbroken1verb (breaks, breaking, broke/, has broken)1to make something go into smaller pieces, for example by dropping it or hitting it: He broke the window. She has broken her arm.2to go into smaller pieces, for example by falling or hitting: I dropped the cup and it broke.3to stop working; to damage a machine so that it stops working: You've broken my watch.4to do something that is against the law or against what has been agreed or promised: People who break the law must be punished. I never break my promises.break down1If a machine or car breaks down, it stops working: We were late because our car broke down.2If a person breaks down, they start to cry: He broke down when he heard the news.break in, break into somethingto go into a place by breaking a door or window so that you can steal something: Thieves broke into the house. They broke in through a window.break offto take away a piece of something by breaking it: He broke off a piece of chocolate for me.break out1to start suddenly: A fire broke out last night.2to get free from a place like a prison: Four prisoners broke out of the jail last night.break up (British) to start the school holidays: We break up at the end of July.break up with somebodyto end a relationship with somebody: Susy broke up with her boyfriend last week.