breakdown

[breyk-doun]

noun

1. a breaking down, wearing out, or sudden loss of ability to function efficiently, as of a machine.

2. a loss of mental or physical health; collapse.

3. an analysis or classification of something; division into parts, categories, processes, etc.

4. Chemistry.

   1. decomposition.

   2. analysis.

5. Electricity.,  an electric discharge passing through faulty insulation or other material used to separate circuits or passing between electrodes in a vacuum or gas-filled tube.

6. a noisy, lively folk dance.

Word History and Origins

Origin of breakdown¹

First recorded in 1825–35; noun use of verb phrase break down

Example Sentences

“It’s because we had a security breakdown with thefts, thuggery and lawlessness.”

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But the use of what became known as "Bodyline", which saw batsmen having to defend themselves rather than their stumps, was condemned as "unsporting" by Australian officials and almost provoked a breakdown in diplomatic relations.

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Again, he was the flat option from the breakdown, and he ran over the top of an Argentine defender to dot down.

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He was first given medical cannabis after a mental health "breakdown" in his late 30s.

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But the breakdown in negotiations between Disney and YouTube TV shows that streaming is now the prime battleground for control of a vital revenue stream.

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Related Words

• disintegration 
• disruption 
• failure 
• mishap 
• nervous breakdown