break down
The term "break down" has versatile meanings across various contexts, ranging from mechanical failure to emotional distress and chemical decomposition.
Definition
B1General
(common)To stop functioning or operating properly.
Example
- The washing machine broke down last night.
- Our car broke down on the way to the beach.
B2Emotions
(common)To become emotionally overwhelmed or distraught.
Example
- She broke down in tears when she heard the news.
- After the argument, he broke down and couldn't stop crying.
C1Technical
(formal, technical)To decompose a substance into simpler components.
Example
- Enzymes in the stomach help break down food.
- The plastic will eventually break down into microplastics.
C1Science
(technical, academic)To separate something into simpler parts for analysis or understanding.
Example
- Let's break down this complex theory into simpler concepts.
- The report breaks down the data into several key areas.
B2General
(common)To dismantle or disassemble something.
Example
- They broke down the old shed to build a new one.
- The team broke down the stage after the concert.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "break down":
broken downbreak uptear downbreak infall apartbreak withcome aparttake apartbring downrun downmelt downtake downbreak outbreak throughword breakmake downburn downbreak offcrack upsplit upfall downbreak intogo to piecesknock downblow downtear apartbreak awaybust downtear upbreak opencome downpick apartgo downbeat downblow apartbroken inlet downshake downget downnervous breakdowncrack throughcome undonecry downbreak breadthrow downbreak covercrack outfall to piecesbring down onwear downbust outfall togetherbreak the back ofsmash downbreak evencrack openbroke offbreak the storybust upboil downfall down onbreak badtear it uprip up