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
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.