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

The euro is tied to an economy with sclerotic growth and existential breakup risks.

Read more on Barron's

According to the synopsis, these “fierce, brilliant, and emotionally complicated” women will “navigate high-stakes breakups, scandalous secrets, and shifting allegiances.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

People are turning to AI to help craft breakup messages, to dissect conversations they're having with people they're dating, and to resolve problems in relationships.

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As reports of the split surfaced this week, so did speculation and theories about what caused the breakup.

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Over a video call, Suzuki discussed his breakup experience, how dating in the “Love Is Blind” experiment compares to real life and whether something good came from his time on the show.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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