What does BREAK mean?

Break Parts of Speech

Noun, verb

Definitions

Noun: an interruption or cessation of continuity or uniformity.

Verb: separate or cause to separate into pieces as a result of a blow, shock, or strain.

Pronunciations

US: /breɪk/

UK: /brɛk/

Origin and Usage

The word "break" originated from Old English "brecan", which means to break, shatter, or burst. It has been used in English since the 12th century. The noun form has been used since the 14th century to describe a sudden interruption or cessation of something, while the verb form has been used since the 16th century to describe the act of separating something into pieces.

Synonyms

Noun: interruption, pause, gap, cessation, discontinuity

Verb: shatter, smash, fracture, split, snap

Related Words

braid, bread, bring, broad, brush

Example Sentences

Noun: The sudden break in the music startled her.

Verb: He tried to break the vase, but it wouldn shatter.