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

Examples of breaking point in a Sentence

tensions between the two nations had risen to the breaking point
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 See all Example Sentences for breaking point 

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breaking point was in 1865

Dictionary Entries Near breaking point

Cite this Entry

“Breaking point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breaking%20point. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

breaking point

noun
: the point at which a person gives way under stress
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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