break off

verb

1. to sever or detach or be severed or detached

   it broke off in my hands

   he broke a piece off the bar of chocolate

2. (adverb) to end (a relationship, association, etc) or (of a relationship, etc) to be ended

3. (intr, adverb) to stop abruptly; halt

   he broke off in the middle of his speech

noun

1. the act or an instance of breaking off or stopping

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

They said Leviev would later pretend he was being pursued by his "enemies" and ask them to transfer him significant sums of money, before breaking off all contact.

From BBC

In another surprise move, he broke off from his speech to introduce Nadine Dorris, who defected to Reform on Thursday, to make a brief speech.

From BBC

She has since broken off contact with us.

From BBC

The Met Office said summer storms cause problems as trees are in full leaf and are more likely to be toppled with branches broken off.

From BBC

At the end of a fractious series, India broke off from the delirious celebrations to commiserate with Woakes, then embarked on a lap of honour, soaking up a historic win with their jubilant fans.

From BBC

Related Words

• cease 
• discontinue 
• halt 
• suspend 
• terminate