breɪk ɒf
neutral
intermediate
- Base verb:
- break
- Particle:
- off
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "break off" mean?
- To separate a piece from something by breaking
- To suddenly stop speaking or doing something
- To end a relationship or agreement
Examples
- She broke off a piece of chocolate and gave it to me.
- He broke off mid-sentence when he saw who had entered.
- The two countries broke off diplomatic relations.
- They broke off their engagement just weeks before the wedding.
- A large chunk of ice broke off the glacier.
How to use it
Common for physical separation and for ending formal relationships like engagements or diplomatic ties. 'Break off' mid-sentence means to suddenly stop talking.
Word order
For physical breaking: separable ('break a piece off'). For ending relationships/stopping: can be either ('break off the engagement' or 'break the engagement off').
Similar expressions
snap off
detach
stop
end
terminate
Opposites
continue
attach
join
begin
Related phrasal verbs
- break up
To end a romantic relationship
- break down
To stop working or functioning (machines, vehicles)
- break out
To start suddenly (war, fire, disease, fighting)
- break into
To enter a building illegally by force
- break in
To enter a building illegally, usually by force
- break through
To force a way through a barrier or obstacle
Use it in a practice answer
Try "break off" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.