Break

Question 1

break down

Answer 1

1) (int) (of machinery) stop working The car broke down on the highway.

2) (int) (of a person) lose control of feelings
Example sentence: She broke down in tears.

3) (int) (of talks/negotiations etc) fail
The negotiations broke down due to disagreements.

4) (tr) separate under headings
Break down the report into sections.

Question 2

break in

Answer 2

(int) enter by force or illegally

Question 3

break into

Answer 3

1)enter by force
The burglars broke into and stole all our valuables.
2) (tr) interrupt

Question 4

break off

Answer 4

(tr) end a relationship/agreement
The two countries broke off the diplomatic relations 2 years ago.

Question 5

break out

Answer 5

(int) (of war, etc) begin suddenly

Question 6

break through

Answer 6

(int) advance (in spite of opposition)
After months of effort, the team finally broke through and finished the project.

Question 7

break to

Answer 7

(tr) tell (usu bad news) to sb in a kind way
I didn’t know how to break the bad news to him gently.

Question 8

break up

Answer 8

1) (int) (of schools, etc); stop for holidays
The school breaks up for summer vacation.

2) (int) end a relationship