break open

phrasal verb

broke open; broken open; breaking open; breaks open

: to open or to cause (something) to open suddenly

The pods broke open and the seeds scattered on the wind.

The police broke open the door.

The burglars broke the locked safe open.

Examples of break open in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

In fact, boiling contaminated water can exacerbate the problem by breaking open the bacteria and releasing more toxins. —

Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 Moreau Catholic 50, American 40 The Mariners broke open a 19-19 defensive struggle with 31 points in the second half en route to their sixth straight Mission Valley Athletic League victory without a loss. —

Mike Lefkow, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2025 If Matthew Ecker had broken open the door after hearing the gunshot, detectives say Alex's legs would have been pushed to the side. —

Natalie Morales, CBS News, 26 Oct. 2024 Still, there has been worry within some league circles that the Bears have jumped into yet another critical hiring cycle like a blindfolded third grader hoping to break open the birthday party piñata. —

Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for break open