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breakoff

or break-off

[ breyk-awf, ‐of ]
/ ˈbreɪkˌɔf, ‐ˌɒf /
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noun
a discontinuation, especially abrupt, as of relations.
the action of breaking off.
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Origin of breakoff

First recorded in 1860–65; noun use of verb break off (in the sense “to stop sudddenly”)
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to breakoff

sever, cease, discontinue, halt, suspend, terminate, break, cessation, discontinuance, discontinuation, ending, hiatus, intermission, interruption, lull, pause, recess, stop, termination, detach

How to use breakoff in a sentence

  • What a break-off, leaving the gasping reader in a state of choking suspense, of avid, ungratified curiosity!

    Ptomaine Street|Carolyn Wells

  • The whole of his break-off with Lady Helena is very well done.

    The Letters of Jane Austen|Jane Austen

  • Moreover, the break-off of diplomatic relations initiated the certain hope of a happier future.

    Mrs. Warren's Daughter|Sir Harry Johnston

  • The miners work the seam till they come to this break-off, and then call for an expert to "read the fault."

    From Sea to Sea|Rudyard Kipling

British Dictionary definitions for breakoff

break off
verb
to sever or detach or be severed or detachedit broke off in my hands; he broke a piece off the bar of chocolate
(adverb) to end (a relationship, association, etc) or (of a relationship, etc) to be ended
(intr, adverb) to stop abruptly; halthe broke off in the middle of his speech
noun breakoff
the act or an instance of breaking off or stopping
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with breakoff

break off
1

Stop abruptly, as in The trade talks broke off yesterday. [First half of 1300s]

2

Separate, sever a connection, as in The baby broke off the tops of all the flowers, or The new sect has broken off from the established church. [First half of 1500s]

3

End a relationship or friendship, as in Mary broke off her engagement to Rob. [Mid-1600s]

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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