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.
But other blazes have broken out in different parts of Europe as the forest fire season takes hold, including deadly ones in Greece, as well as in Portugal and Turkey.
From Barron's ● Jul. 30, 2026
Three election experts told the news organizations that Paxton may have broken state law.
From Salon ● Jul. 28, 2026
Ukraine’s navy posted a satellite photo of the damaged ship, which appeared to have broken in half.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026
Several wildfires have broken out across the state in the last week, including a new one in Los Angeles County on Monday.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026
Most folks think he was jabbing at the South and those seven states that have broken away—secession is the right word, I think—from the rest of the Union.
From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan
