breakaway

[breyk-uh-wey]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR breakaway ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

an act or instance of breaking away; secession; separation: the breakaway of two provinces from a state.

a departure or break from routine or tradition: a three-day breakaway in the Bahamas.

a person or thing that breaks away.

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

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.

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

Basketball. fast break.

Australian.

a stampede.
an animal that breaks away from the herd or flock.

adjective

of, relating to, or being that which separates or secedes: the breakaway faction of the Socialist party.

departing from routine or tradition.

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.

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

Nearby words

Origin of breakaway

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for breakaway

They are a breakaway faction from Fatah, the dominant party in the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
A Who’s Who of Iran’s Favorite Palestinian Terrorists|IranWire|August 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
My coaches at Breakaway Performance Labs found that I needed to maintain a heart rate of 168-178 beats/min.
How to Use Your Lunch Hour for Better Productivity, Without Ever Taking a Bite|Gregory Ferenstein|April 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Meanwhile, tensions are rising in Moldova's breakaway region of Transnistria, where 2,500 Russian troops are based.
Corker: Obama Repeating Syria Mistakes in Ukraine|Josh Rogin|April 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
These people, like those in the breakaway regions of Georgia, wanted independence and autonomy, not Russian rule.
Why America Must Stop Comparing Ukraine To World War II|Will Cathcart|March 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST

The breakaway referendum in Crimea is a mere week away and is a gun to all heads.
Cut the Baloney on Ukraine|Leslie H. Gelb|March 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
No striking in the clinches, but either party is free to hit his opponent in the breakaway.
The Battleship Boys at Sea|Frank Gee Patchin
They will fight as long as one hand is free, and take care of themselves in the breakaway.
The Game|Jack London
He noted the breakaway zone where the first stage and second stage were joined.
The Scarlet Lake Mystery|Harold Leland Goodwin
Every instant of it was intense watchfulness, while the breakaway was still more dangerous.
The Game|Jack London
How did Mrs. Selim get out to Breakaway Inn, if she left her own car with the maid?
Murder at Bridge|Anne Austin

British Dictionary definitions for breakaway

breakaway

noun

loss or withdrawal of a group of members from an association, club, etc
(as modifier)a breakaway faction

sport

a sudden attack, esp from a defensive position, in football, hockey, etc
an attempt to get away from the rest of the field in a race

Australian a stampede of cattle, esp at the smell of water

verb break away (intr, adverb)

(often foll by from) to leave hastily or escape

to withdraw or secede

sport to make a breakaway

horse racing to start prematurely

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

Word Origin and History for breakaway

breakaway

1906 (n.), in reference to sports; 1930s (adj.) in reference to splinter groups; from break (v.) + away (adv.).

breakaway

noun

adjective

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of breakaway

Examples from the Web for breakaway

breakaway

noun

verb break away (intr, adverb)

breakaway