| part of speech: |
phrase |
| definition 1: |
to break (something) into pieces or sections.
To get the fire started, you need to break up those big logs. |
| definition 2: |
to be or become divided into pieces or parts.
The poem breaks up into three main sections. |
| definition 3: |
to cause (something) to end.
Someone should break up that fight before somebody gets seriously hurt. |
| definition 4: |
to go in separate ways; disperse.
With the spectacle over, the crowd began to break up. |
| definition 5: |
to end a romantic relationship; separate.
He said he wants to break up with me!The couple broke up in June. |
| definition 6: |
to lighten (something intense or monotonous) by means of periodic breaks or shifts in activity or mood.
To break up the three-hour seminar, refreshments were served halfway through.The lecture was rather long, but questions from the students helped to break it up. |
| definition 7: |
(informal) to cause laughter in (someone).
His impersonations always break me up! |
| definition 8: |
(informal) to succumb to laughter.
I broke up when I saw her baffled expression. She looked so funny! |
| definition 9: |
(informal) to fill (someone) with strong emotion.
Seeing his ex-wife with another man really broke him up. |
| definition 10: |
(informal) to be overcome with strong emotion.
I'd never seen him cry, but he broke up when he saw his grandchild for the first time. |
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