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breakoff
or break-off
[ breyk-awf, ‐of ]
/ ˈbreɪkˌɔf, ‐ˌɒf /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
a discontinuation, especially abrupt, as of relations.
the action of breaking off.
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ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?
We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.
Question 1 of 8
Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?
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Origin of breakoff
First recorded in 1860–65; noun use of verb break off (in the sense “to stop sudddenly”)
Words nearby breakoff
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
Other 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.