breaking point

noun

1

: the point at which a person gives way under stress

2

: the point at which a situation becomes critical

3

: the point at which something loses force or validity

stretch the rules to the breaking point

Synonyms

• boiling point
• clutch
• conjuncture
• crisis
• crossroad(s)
• crunch
• crunch time
• Dunkirk
• emergency
• exigency
• extremity
• flash point
• head
• juncture
• tinderbox
• zero hour

Examples of breaking point in a Sentence

tensions between the two nations had risen to the breaking point

Recent Examples on the Web

The systematic destruction in South Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut suggests that Israel hopes to displace more than a million Lebanese Shiites, with the ultimate aim of forcing Lebanese social tensions to the breaking point. —Mohanad Hage Ali, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2024

The breaking point came after the 2020 election, when Trump refused to concede defeat and fought to remain in the White House by nullifying Joe Biden’s victory. —Mike Lillis, The Hill, 1 Nov. 2024

Throughout the year, analysts anticipated consumers would reach a breaking point—where inflation and high Fed rates would stifle spending. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2024

But the plot strains credulity to the breaking point. —Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 27 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

breaking point

noun

: the point at which a person gives way under stress