break off
verb
broke off; broken off; breaking off; breaks off
1
: to stop abruptly
break off in the middle of a sentence
2
: to become detached
branches that broke off in the storm
3
: to end a relationship
broke off with his business partner
1
: discontinue
break off diplomatic relations
2
: to remove by or as if by breaking
broke off a chunk of bread
Examples of break off in a Sentence
the judge broke off court proceedings until after lunch
talks between the two sides broke off when one began making unreasonable demands
Recent Examples on the Web
The three singers eventually broke off to pursue solo projects, but managed to stay close in ways that have escaped many other groups like them.
—
Lisa Respers France, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025
From that formation, individual clouds break off in a clump.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2025
These fibers also break off in the wash, entering water systems.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 20 Feb. 2025
In a stunning Oval Office meeting, President Trump breaks off talks with the Ukrainian president.
—ABC News, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for break off
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Lisa Respers France, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025
From that formation, individual clouds break off in a clump.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2025
These fibers also break off in the wash, entering water systems.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 20 Feb. 2025
In a stunning Oval Office meeting, President Trump breaks off talks with the Ukrainian president.
—ABC News, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for break off
Cite this Entry
“Break off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20off. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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