break
verb (used with object)
to smash, split, or divide into parts violently; reduce to pieces or fragments.
were breaking
-
past progressiveof break.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Wilson was unaware that talks were breaking down.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 19, 2026
Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton said last week that the group were breaking the law by taking up residence on someone else's land.
From BBC ● Sep. 16, 2025
Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton said the group were breaking the law by taking up residence on someone else's land.
From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2025
There was a moment when you also asked the officer to show you the specific law that you were breaking concerning your headlights being turned off.
From Slate ● Jul. 28, 2025
Huge chunks of ice were breaking away from their berg all the time.
From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong
