breakup

[ breyk-uhp ]

noun

1. disintegration; disruption; dispersal.
2. the ending of a personal, especially a romantic, relationship.
3. (in Alaska and Canada)
   1. the melting and loosening of ice in rivers and harbors during the early spring.
   2. the first day on which such ice is soft or dispersed enough to permit ships to use the waterways.
4. Informal. an act or instance of being convulsed with laughter.
5. temporary distortion in a televised picture.

Word History and Origins

Origin of breakup¹

First recorded in 1785–95; noun use of verb phrase break up

Example Sentences

It was nearly a year after the breakup, but even hearing her name made my heart beat in staccato.

From Los Angeles Times

I’ve had so much growth through that,” said Turner, who has five sacks, seven tackles for lost yardage and four pass breakups.

From Los Angeles Times

The rookie was the team’s No. 3 inside linebacker and had 13 tackles with one pass breakup before suffering the injury.

From Los Angeles Times

The backdrop to this viscerally low moment was the infidelity of and subsequent breakup with John’s manager and first love, John Reid.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2013, members announced their breakup; a year later, they released a greatest hits collection titled “May Death Never Stop You.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• breakdown
• disintegration
• dissolution
• divorce
• separation
• split
• termination