broken man

The term "broken man" describes someone who has been deeply affected by emotional or psychological trauma, and historically, it referred to outlaws in the UK.

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Definition

B2Emotional and Psychological

(common, informal)A person who has been deeply hurt emotionally or psychologically, often feeling hopeless or unable to engage fully in relationships.

Example

  • After the loss of his family, he became a broken man, unable to find joy in life.
  • She could see that he was a broken man, struggling to trust anyone again.

C2Historical

(UK, archaic)An outlaw, especially one living in the Highlands and border regions of the UK.

Example

  • In the 18th century, a broken man often roamed the borderlands, evading capture.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "broken man":

broken inbroken birdbroken downbroken fielddamaged goodsbroken windtough break