breakoff
or break-off
[ breyk-awf, ‐of ]
/ ˈbreɪkˌɔf, ‐ˌɒf /
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. 2021
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
Idioms and Phrases with breakoff
break off
Stop abruptly, as in The trade talks broke off yesterday. [First half of 1300s]
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]
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.