break
verb (used with object)
to smash, split, or divide into parts violently; reduce to pieces or fragments.
are breaking
-
present progressiveof break.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“All the while, our customers are breaking down the doors complaining about our delivery delays.”
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 2, 2026
"Psychologically, a Fed hiking cycle rarely does risk assets many favours, particularly if both nominal and real Treasury yields are breaking to new highs and equity markets continue to find sellers into rallies."
From Barron's ● Sep. 14, 2026
We don’t know what the rules around AI use are, for instance, so we often can’t tell whether our colleagues are breaking them.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026
The Bulldogs are breaking in a new quarterback, junior Jayden Mandal.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026
Fog is not being able to see where you’re going, or which way the waves are breaking.
From "The Young Man and the Sea" by Rodman Philbrick
