break off

verb

broke off; broken off; breaking off; breaks off

intransitive verb

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

transitive verb

1

: discontinue

break off diplomatic relations

2

: to remove by or as if by breaking

broke off a chunk of bread

Synonyms

• break
• break up
• can [slang]
• cease
• cut off
• cut out
• desist (from)
• discontinue
• drop
• end
• give over
• halt
• knock off
• lay off
• leave off
• pack (up or in)
• quit
• shut off
• stop

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 former Oregon Duck has already broken off three runs of 30 yards or longer, and he's also proven to be dangerous in the open field as a pass-catcher. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Each one was found after washing up on shore, broken off an actual ship destroyed by storms and the tempestuous sea. —Lois Alter Mark, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

Developer Avangrid had to pause construction over the summer after a blade broke off and fell into the ocean, with parts ultimately washing ashore on Nantucket beaches. —Pippa Stevens, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2024

Blowout kills motorcyclist:Tire breaks off car, flies into oncoming traffic, killing Colorado driver Airline offered to cover transportation costs for passengers to go to hospital The airline offered to cover transportation costs for customers to go to medical facilities but did not elaborate. —Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Kids Definition

break off

verb

: to stop suddenly