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

Your simmering frustrations from the past month or two reach a bit of a breaking point early in the month before changing form, or perhaps putting you in a better position to actually do something about it in the coming weeks. —Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2024

However, things reached a breaking point in episode 8 when it was revealed that Stephen went off to do a sleep test one night, but ended up sexting another woman while there, despite being engaged to Monica. —Joelle Goldstein, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024

Hunter is diagnosed with pica, a psychological urge to consume what cannot be consumed, and puts us through intolerable discomfort as the scale and sharpness of her food increases towards her breaking point. —Rory Doherty, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024

Balvin hit a breaking point, not only in his image but also in his sound. —Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 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