breakaway

[breyk-uh-wey]

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.

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

/ 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of breakaway¹

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

Example Sentences

The former Scottish Premier League football chief is now an investor in, and board member of, rugby union's proposed breakaway R360 league.

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Soccer’s proposed European Super League—a breakaway organization of a dozen wealthy teams—was met with widespread uproar in 2021 and folded in just 48 hours.

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The conviction relates to a Darfur investigation that the court opened years ago when fighting arose between rebels in the breakaway region of Sudan and armed forces allied with the Sudanese government.

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Revamped plans were announced after a top court ruled banning clubs from joining a breakaway league was unlawful.

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The takeover of the Premier League club, the investment in boxing and the creation of the breakaway golf tournament were met with an abundance of scrutiny.

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Related Words

• breakup 
• separation