Break up (PW) separate They needed to break up their engagement because she fell in love with someone else. (MW) 1 a : to cease to exist as a unified whole : disperse broke up> b : to end a romance 2 : to lose morale, composure, or resolution; especially : to become abandoned to laughter <breaks up completely, laughing himself into a coughing fit — Gene Williams> transitive verb 1 : to break into pieces 2 : to bring to an end <broke up the fight> 3 : to do away with : destroy <break up a monopoly> 4 : to disrupt the continuity or flow of <break up a dull routine> 5 : decompose <break up a chemical> 6 : to cause to laugh heartily (usingEnglish) Meaning: Finish a relationship Example: They had been going out for a couple of years before they BROKE UP. (free) break up 1. a. To separate or be separated into pieces: She broke up a chocolate bar. The river ice finally broke up. b. To interrupt the uniformity or continuity of: An impromptu visit broke up the long afternoon. 2. To scatter; disperse: The crowd broke up after the game. 3. To cease to function or cause to stop functioning as an organized unit or group: His jazz band broke up. The new CEO broke up the corporation. 4. To bring or come to an end: Guards broke up the fight. They argued, and their friendship broke up. 5. Informal To burst or cause to burst into laughter. |