|
|
- See:
- break
| part of speech: |
phrase |
| definition 1: |
to stop working; become unable to function.
Our car broke down on the highway.The elevator broke down yesterday, so we'll have to go up the stairs.- synonyms:
- collapse
- similar words:
- crack up, fail, rot
|
| definition 2: |
to use physical force to completely break (something that is standing).
The bulldozer broke down the stone fence.The fire fighters broke down the door to the house. |
| definition 3: |
to take apart or flatten for some particular purpose.
The bed in here is easy to transport because we can break it down easily.We'll have to break down all these cardboard boxes before we can recycle them. |
| definition 4: |
to break (something) into smaller and smaller bits until destroyed or transformed.
The cleaning liquid will break down the grease.Saliva in your mouth begins to break down the food that you eat. |
| definition 5: |
to break into increasingly smaller bits or simpler substances.
Starchy foods break down quickly during digestion.Plastics break down very slowly over time. |
| definition 6: |
to separate into smaller steps or sections.
He broke the job down into a number of different steps.- similar words:
- analyze, divide, subdivide
|
| definition 7: |
to lose control of one's emotions, usually reflected in crying or inability to speak or express oneself.
When he heard the news of the accident, the man broke down and cried. |
| related words: |
collapse, factor, separate |
|
|