break off
verb
broke off; broken off; breaking off; breaks off
1
: to stop abruptly
break off in the middle of a sentence
2
: to become detached
branches that broke off in the storm
3
: to end a relationship
broke off with his business partner
1
: discontinue
break off diplomatic relations
2
: to remove by or as if by breaking
broke off a chunk of bread
Examples of break off in a Sentence
the judge broke off court proceedings until after lunch
talks between the two sides broke off when one began making unreasonable demands
Recent Examples on the Web
Two of Rubén’s older sons, who married Russian acrobats during international stints, broke off and founded their own troupe as Circus Caballero.
—
Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
Pike was in a relationship with Joe Wright, her Pride & Prejudice director, but the couple broke off their engagement in 2008.
—John Russell, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
Don’t twist or jerk the tick, which can cause the mouth to break off in your skin.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026
The top of the column was broken off by vandals several years ago.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for break off
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Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
Pike was in a relationship with Joe Wright, her Pride & Prejudice director, but the couple broke off their engagement in 2008.
—John Russell, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
Don’t twist or jerk the tick, which can cause the mouth to break off in your skin.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026
The top of the column was broken off by vandals several years ago.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for break off
Cite this Entry
“Break off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20off. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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