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

Synonyms

• boiling point
• clutch
• conjuncture
• crisis
• crossroad(s)
• crunch
• crunch time
• Dunkirk
• emergency
• exigency
• extremity
• flash point
• head
• juncture
• tinderbox
• zero hour

Examples of breaking point in a Sentence

tensions between the two nations had risen to the breaking point

Recent Examples on the Web

But in Gaza, where medical resources are already stretched to the breaking point, even basic rehabilitation services remain out of reach. —Diaa Ostaz, ABC News, 14 Dec. 2024

All About Kim Garfunkel In the 2024 documentary In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon, Simon recalled that Garfunkel's role in 1970's Catch-22 was a breaking point in their relationship. —Shyla Watson, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024

Against Notre Dame, the collective moan in the Coliseum with yet another last-minute loss because of Riley’s poor play calling was the breaking point for this lifelong Trojan. —Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024

The strains of the busy season expose these weaknesses and can push operations to the breaking point. —Joe Arrage, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

breaking point

noun

: the point at which a person gives way under stress