bust-up

[ buhst-uhp ]

noun

, Informal.

1. a separation or dissolution, as of a marriage or a close friendship.
2. a large party, especially a noisy one.
3. Chiefly British. a quarrel; disturbance; punch-up.

bust-up

noun

1. a quarrel, esp a serious one ending a friendship, etc
2. a disturbance or brawl

verb

1. intr to quarrel and part
2. tr to disrupt (a meeting), esp violently

Word History and Origins

Origin of bust-up¹

First recorded in 1840–50; noun use of verb phrase bust up

Example Sentences

Archer denied that he had left the prominent role in the church after a bust up with David Miscavige, the head of the church.

From The Daily Beast

Two competing narratives over the Prince Harry / Cressida Bonas bust-up in the UK papers today.

From The Daily Beast

BUST UP the BIG BANKS,” told me that posters like hers “just draw more attention and show more effort.

From The Daily Beast

Then came the big bust-up of Christmas 2009, when Sheen was charged with domestic violence.

From The Daily Beast

After Jackson died, McCartney said there was "no big bust-up" in their friendship over the sale.

From The Daily Beast

En didn't I bust up agin a lot er dem islands en have a turrible time en mos' git drownded?

From Project Gutenberg

When tha bust up, out there, tha pay their debts, by jineing the church.

From Project Gutenberg

Ses I, "Kernel, you could bust up fifteen Unions easier than you could destroy slavery."

From Project Gutenberg

We might's well bust up this dab-dusted ole town ef he's gone.

From Project Gutenberg

If you must know, she's going to bust up the cook combine, and from now on she'll be mighty busy.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• burst
• crack
• crash
• crush
• damage
• fracture
• separate
• sever
• shatter
• smash
• snap
• split
• tear