broke

American  

[brohk] / broʊk /

verb

1. a simple past tense of break.

2. Nonstandard.  a past participle of break.

3. Archaic.  a past participle of break.

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adjective

1. without money; penniless.

   Synonyms:

   impoverished , destitute , insolvent

2. bankrupt.

   Synonyms:

   impoverished , destitute , insolvent

noun

1. Papermaking.  paper unfit for sale; paper that is to be repulped.

2. brokes, wool of poor quality taken from the neck and belly of sheep.

idioms

1. go broke,

   1. to become destitute of money or possessions.

   2. to go bankrupt.

      In that business people are forever going broke.

2. go for broke,  to exert oneself or employ one's resources to the utmost.

broke British  

/ brəʊk /

verb

1. the past tense of break

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adjective

1. informal  having no money; bankrupt

2. slang  to risk everything in a gambling or other venture

broke More Idioms  

1. see flat broke; go broke; go for (broke); if it ain't broke don't fix it. Also see under break.

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Etymology

Origin of broke

First recorded in 1655–65 for the adjective; 1875–80 for the noun

Example Sentences

The walkout follows a five-day strike held last month and that came after talks broke down between the government and union.

From BBC

Bitcoin’s losses accelerated once its price broke below $90,000, which many analysts view as a key support level.

From Barron's

BBC Scotland headquarters in Glasgow has been evacuated after a fire broke out.

From BBC

Mike, 33, ended up sleeping on the streets after his relationship broke down after his birthday in November.

From BBC

He broke up play really well, dominated in midfield and capped it off with a goal.

From BBC

Related Words

• bankrupt
• destitute
• insolvent
• penniless