broken up

American  

[brohk-uhn uhp] / ˈbroʊk ən ˈʌp /

adjective

1. (of a personal or political relationship) having ended; having undergone a breakup.

2. emotionally distressed or upset.

3. Usually, broken-up. having been broken into smaller pieces.

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Example Sentences

The move spares the concerts-and-ticketing giant from the threat of its business being broken up.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

My high school history teacher showed the film to our junior class, broken up into 50-minute segments that would adhere to the school bell.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026

Low-value cars like mine often end up in "chop shops", shady workshops where they're broken up for second-hand components that sell for a fraction of the hefty prices charged for manufacturers' originals.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

Shorter patrols run through November and December, while in the summer, once the ice has broken up, the area is patrolled by ships.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

For a minute, I even wondered if he still wanted to be my friend, knowing my family was all broken up like it was.

From "Wish" by Barbara O'Connor