breakaway

American  

[breyk-uh-wey] / ˈbreɪk əˌweɪ /

noun

1. an act or instance of breaking away; secession; separation.

   the breakaway of two provinces from a state.

2. a departure or break from routine or tradition.

   a three-day breakaway in the Bahamas.

3. a person or thing that breaks away.

4. an object, as a theatrical prop, constructed so that it breaks or falls apart easily, especially upon impact.

5. Ice Hockey. a sudden rush down the ice by a player or players in an attempt to score a goal, after breaking clear of defending opponents.

6. Football. a run by an offensive player breaking through the defense for a long gain.

7. Basketball. fast break.

8. Australian.

   1. a stampede.

   2. an animal that breaks away from the herd or flock.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or being that which separates or secedes.

   the breakaway faction of the Socialist party.

2. departing from routine or tradition.

3. constructed of such lightweight material or in such a way as to shatter or come apart easily.

   breakaway highway signposts; Build a breakaway set for the barroom brawl.

4. (of theatrical costumes) constructed so as to be quickly removable, as by a performer playing several roles.

breakaway British  

/ ˈbreɪkəˌweɪ /

noun

1. 1. loss or withdrawal of a group of members from an association, club, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a breakaway faction

2. sport

   1. a sudden attack, esp from a defensive position, in football, hockey, etc

   2. an attempt to get away from the rest of the field in a race

3. a stampede of cattle, esp at the smell of water

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verb

1. (often foll by from) to leave hastily or escape

2. to withdraw or secede

3. sport to make a breakaway

4. horse racing to start prematurely

Etymology

Origin of breakaway

First recorded in 1885–95; noun, adj. use of verb phrase break away

Example Sentences

Shortly after his 21st birthday, Vachon was in the NHL, making his debut without a mask and recording his first save on a breakaway by Hall of Famer Gordie Howe.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

It is a relatively recent appointment, but for the best part of five years he has been at the forefront of shaping the tour's response to the arrival of the breakaway LIV Golf circuit.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Without that magnetic breakaway power cable found on higher-end MacBooks, the Neo might go crashing to the ground when someone stumbles by.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

A turnover turned into a USC breakaway, which led to another Nebraska three-pointer.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2026

Fletcher had stolen the ball from Nick and was off for a breakaway goal.

From "Slam!" by Walter Dean Myers

Related Words

• breakup
• separation