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- See:
- break
| part of speech: |
phrase |
| definition 1: |
to become ineffective or unable to function.
My car broke down on the highway.The elevator broke down yesterday, so we'll have to use the stairs.- synonyms:
- collapse, go to pieces
- similar words:
- act up, crack, crack up, fail, fold, founder, perish, rot, stall
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| definition 2: |
to reduce (something) into smaller parts or categories.
He broke the job down into separate tasks.The theory will be easier to understand if you break it down.- synonyms:
- reduce
- similar words:
- analyze, divide, resolve, subdivide
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| definition 3: |
to reduce (something) until destroyed.
The cleaning solution will break down the grease.The captors tried to break down the morale of the prisoners.The police broke down the suspect's door. |
| definition 4: |
to lose control of one's emotions, usually reflected in crying or inability to speak or express oneself.
When he heard the news of the accident, he broke down and cried.The defendant broke down during questioning on the stand. |
| related words: |
collapse, factor, falter, fatigue, flaw, fold, precipitate, reduce, separate |
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