break down

Formsbreaks down, breaking down, broke down, broken down

1. 1
   stop workingphrasal verbintransitive

   To stop working, used about a machine, car, or computer.

   Our car broke down on the way to the beach.

   I hope the printer doesn't break down again today.

   Similarmalfunction, fail

   Note
2. 2
   phrasal verbfigurativelytransitive or intransitive

   To fall apart in body or mind because of too much stress, or to make someone fall apart.

   Too much pressure can break down even very strong people.

   He broke down after weeks of caring for his sick father.

   Similarcrack, collapse

   Note
3. 3
   give detailsphrasal verbfigurativelytransitive or intransitive

   To split something into smaller parts so you can explain it in more detail.

   Can you break down the bill so I know what I'm paying for?

   Our monthly spending breaks down into rent, food, and travel.

   Similaritemize, analyze, divide, split

   Note
4. 4
   relations failphrasal verbintransitive

   To fail, often because people or groups cannot agree or get along.

   The peace talks broke down after only one day.

   Friendships can break down when people stop talking to each other.

   Similarcollapse, fail, founder

   Oppositesucceed

   Note
5. 5
   rotphrasal verbtransitive or intransitive

   To slowly rot away into tiny pieces, or to make something rot.

   Banana peels break down quickly in a compost pile.

   Worms and tiny bugs break down the dead leaves in the garden.

   Similardecompose, decay, degrade, rot

6. 6
   knock downphrasal verbtransitive

   To knock or pull something down on purpose.

   The firefighters had to break down the door to get inside.

   Angry fans broke down the fence around the field.

   Similardemolish, smash

   Oppositebuild

7. 7
   take apartphrasal verbtransitive

   To split into several smaller parts, or to split something that way.

   We had to break down the big table to get it through the door.

   The class broke down into small groups to talk about the story.

   Similardismantle, disassemble, split, separate

   Oppositeassemble

   Note
8. 8
   physical collapsephrasal verbintransitive

   To suddenly fall or fall apart, in the body or in a structure.

   The old barn roof suddenly broke down in the middle of the night.

   Old mine tunnels can break down without warning and trap people inside.

   Similarcollapse, fail, crumble

9. 9
   weakenphrasal verbfigurativelytransitive or intransitive

   To become weak and stop working well, or to make something weak like that.

   Our team tried all game but could not break down their strong defense.

   The old rules slowly broke down as fewer people followed them.

   Similarweaken, crumble, collapse, breach

   Note
10. 10
    give inphrasal verbidiomaticintransitive

    To stop saying no and finally give in or give up.

    I didn't want a smartphone, but last year I broke down and bought one.

    If my kids keep asking, I'll probably break down and get them a puppy.

    Similarrelent, cave, yield, capitulate

    Note
11. 11
    digestphrasal verbtransitive or intransitive

    To change food into smaller parts that the body can use.

    Your stomach needs time to break down a big meal.

    Some foods break down more slowly in your stomach than others.

    Similardigest

12. 12
    noun · break-down

    Alternative form of breakdown. It means the same thing but is written with a hyphen.

    Our van had a break-down on the highway last night.

    The teacher gave us a break-down of how our grades were counted.

    Note

Showing meanings only. Show all 12