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

The match couldn’t have been more off from nearly the onset, and a possible breaking point was reached after weeks of unravelling when Skinner was held out of the lineup for Sunday’s 5-3 road loss to the Anaheim Ducks. —Daniel Nugent-Bowman, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024

Here, however, there’s a distinctly feminist twist, with Demi Moore’s Elisabeth Sparkle pushed to her breaking point by an entertainment industry eager to discard women over 50. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024

If confirmed, as is widely expected, Rubio will be perfectly situated to further tighten the screws on Cuba perhaps to the island’s breaking point. —Patrick Oppmann, CNN, 8 Dec. 2024

Her ability to take a bit to the absolute breaking point rivals that of any Saturday Night Live castmember. —Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 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