broke

[brohk]

verb

1. a simple past tense of break.

2. Nonstandard.,  a past participle of break.

3. Archaic.,  a past participle of break.

adjective

1. without money; penniless.

   Synonyms: impoverished, destitute, insolvent

2. bankrupt.

   Synonyms: impoverished, destitute, insolvent

noun

1. Papermaking.,  paper unfit for sale; paper that is to be repulped.

2. brokes, wool of poor quality taken from the neck and belly of sheep.

broke

/ brəʊk /

verb

1. the past tense of break

adjective

1. informal,  having no money; bankrupt

2. slang,  to risk everything in a gambling or other venture

Word History and Origins

Origin of broke¹

First recorded in 1655–65 for the adjective; 1875–80 for the noun

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. go broke,

   1. to become destitute of money or possessions.

   2. to go bankrupt.

      In that business people are forever going broke.

2. go for broke, to exert oneself or employ one's resources to the utmost.

see flat broke; go broke; go for (broke); if it ain't broke don't fix it. Also see under break.

Example Sentences

Family members broke down the door to her room but were stopped by flames and thick smoke while skylights into the room had also been nailed shut.

From BBC

O'Reilly, who has been with City since he was eight, made 21 appearances and scored five goals for the Manchester club last season as he broke into their first team.

From BBC

Stocks fell sharply on the Paris exchange after the news of Lecornu's resignation broke on Monday morning.

From BBC

Maegan Clay's relationship with her father broke down during her childhood and she thought he was faking illness to excuse his behaviour.

From BBC

On the third play from scrimmage, he broke loose on a run up the middle and picked up 41 yards.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bankrupt 
• destitute 
• insolvent 
• penniless