break up
The term "break up" is a versatile phrasal verb used in various contexts, often implying separation, disruption, or the end of continuity.
Definition
B1Relationships
(informal)To end a romantic or sexual relationship.
Example
- They decided to break up after three years of dating.
- It's hard to break up with someone you still care about.
B2General
(general)To separate into smaller parts or pieces.
Example
- The ice began to break up as the temperature rose.
- He used a hammer to break up the concrete.
B2Telecommunications
(technical)To lose clarity or continuity in a signal or conversation.
Example
- You're breaking up; I can't hear you clearly.
- The call started to break up due to poor reception.
B2Conflict Resolution
(general)To stop a fight or separate people who are fighting.
Example
- The teacher had to break up the fight in the playground.
- Police were called to break up the brawl.
C1Emotional Impact
(informal)To cause great emotional distress or unhappiness.
Example
- The news of the accident really broke her up.
- He was broken up by the loss of his pet.
B2Humor
(slang)To cause someone to laugh uncontrollably.
Example
- The comedian's joke broke up the entire audience.
- She always knows how to break me up with her funny stories.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "break up":
split upbreak apartbreak offbreak downbreak withbreak awaypart waysbroke offcome apartbreak outbreak inbust upword breakfall aparttear upgo their separate waysrip upcrack uptear apartbreak ranksbroken downpart companybreak badpull apartcut upbreak throughtear it up