break off

verb

broke off; broken off; breaking off; breaks off

intransitive verb

1

: to stop abruptly

break off in the middle of a sentence

2

: to become detached

branches that broke off in the storm

3

: to end a relationship

broke off with his business partner

transitive verb

1

: discontinue

break off diplomatic relations

2

: to remove by or as if by breaking

broke off a chunk of bread

Synonyms

• break
• break up
• can [slang]
• cease
• cut off
• cut out
• desist (from)
• discontinue
• drop
• end
• give over
• halt
• knock off
• lay off
• leave off
• pack (up or in)
• quit
• shut off
• stop

Examples of break off in a Sentence

the judge broke off court proceedings until after lunch

talks between the two sides broke off when one began making unreasonable demands

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2020, for instance, an iceberg twice the size of Washington, D.C. broke off Pine Island. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024

Following Investigation Po has around 1.8 million followers after breaking off from the team behind YouTube sensation MrBeast, whose large-scale stunts are designed to go viral and tend to each time. —Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Oct. 2024

Additionally, break off any foliage starting to lose its green color. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2024

The former Oregon Duck has already broken off three runs of 30 yards or longer, and he's also proven to be dangerous in the open field as a pass-catcher. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Kids Definition

break off

verb

: to stop suddenly