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 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