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
Synonyms
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
The former Oregon Duck has already broken off three runs of 30 yards or longer, and he's also proven to be dangerous in the open field as a pass-catcher.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Each one was found after washing up on shore, broken off an actual ship destroyed by storms and the tempestuous sea.
—Lois Alter Mark, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024
Developer Avangrid had to pause construction over the summer after a blade broke off and fell into the ocean, with parts ultimately washing ashore on Nantucket beaches.
—Pippa Stevens, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2024
Blowout kills motorcyclist:Tire breaks off car, flies into oncoming traffic, killing Colorado driver
Airline offered to cover transportation costs for passengers to go to hospital
The airline offered to cover transportation costs for customers to go to medical facilities but did not elaborate.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for break off 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Each one was found after washing up on shore, broken off an actual ship destroyed by storms and the tempestuous sea.
—Lois Alter Mark, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024
Developer Avangrid had to pause construction over the summer after a blade broke off and fell into the ocean, with parts ultimately washing ashore on Nantucket beaches.
—Pippa Stevens, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2024
Blowout kills motorcyclist:Tire breaks off car, flies into oncoming traffic, killing Colorado driver
Airline offered to cover transportation costs for passengers to go to hospital
The airline offered to cover transportation costs for customers to go to medical facilities but did not elaborate.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for break off
Dictionary Entries Near break off
Cite this Entry
“Break off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20off. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share