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

Earlier this year, Oasis embarked on a series of sold-out gigs following the band's dramatic split in 2009 after a backstage bust-up between Gallagher and his brother Noel.

Read more on BBC

European leaders may have rushed to Washington ostensibly to throw a protective arm around President Zelensky and head off any repeat of February's Oval Office bust-up.

Read more on BBC

Price - who has lost weight as part of a fitness regime - refused to be drawn on the latest bust-up, although did post on Instagram: "Have to be careful these days, I'm down to light-cruiserweight."

Read more on BBC

Others have suggested the brothers simply wanted the Oasis story to have a more satisfactory conclusion than a dressing room bust-up.

Read more on BBC

It has been almost 16 years since Oasis last performed live following their dramatic split in 2009 after a backstage bust-up.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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