Definition (action)
- B2
to abruptly cease speaking or doing something
During the meeting, he broke off suddenly from his speech.
She broke off abruptly while telling the story, leaving everyone confused.
break (something) off
Related to word: break
片语动词
Definition (relationship)
- B2
to terminate a relationship
They decided to break off their relationship.
After a long series of arguments, she eventually chose to break off the relationship.
Definition (separate)
to detach a part from a larger whole, or to become detached
He broke off the branch from the tree.
She couldn't help but break off the pencil in her hand.
This piece of land has broken off from the continent.