break
verb (used with object)
to smash, split, or divide into parts violently; reduce to pieces or fragments.
have broken
-
present perfectof break.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Intense ultraviolet radiation from the young Sun would have broken down some nitrous oxide molecules, separating them back into nitrogen and oxygen.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 2, 2026
Each time, they have broken through another resistance level and continued higher, according to Fawad Razaqzada, market analyst for global macroeconomics at Forex.com.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 1, 2026
Debris remains scattered across the water, including a black wheelie suitcase bobbing on the surface and a sheet of steel that appeared to have broken away from the ferry.
From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026
The cruel joke is that there are only two types of bike racers: Those who have broken their collarbone, and those who are about to.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 30, 2026
“Arthur, don’t forget that if I never dated Hudson, then I couldn’t have broken up with him. Then I wouldn’t have gone to that post office. Then I wouldn’t have met you.”
From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
