breakup

[breyk-uhp]

noun

1. disintegration; disruption; dispersal.

2. the ending of a personal, especially a romantic, relationship.

3. (in Alaska and Canada)

   1. the melting and loosening of ice in rivers and harbors during the early spring.

   2. the first day on which such ice is soft or dispersed enough to permit ships to use the waterways.

4. Informal.,  an act or instance of being convulsed with laughter.

5. temporary distortion in a televised picture.

Word History and Origins

Origin of breakup¹

First recorded in 1785–95; noun use of verb phrase break up

Example Sentences

Google's share price has surged in the past month after US courts decided not to order the breakup of the company.

From BBC

The prospect of a company breakup loomed large during the remedies phase of the case.

From BBC

Morgan Neville’s “Man on the Run” documents Paul McCartney’s attempt to launch a solo career following the breakup of the Beatles in 1970.

From Los Angeles Times

Sarover says she was "blindsided" by the breakup, which happened "so abruptly".

From BBC

“You also understand there wasn’t a villain in the Beatles breakup,” Huntsinger says.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• breakdown 
• disintegration 
• dissolution 
• divorce 
• separation 
• split 
• termination