breaking point

noun

1
: the point at which a person gives way under stress
2
: the point at which a situation becomes critical
3
: the point at which something loses force or validity
stretch the rules to the breaking point

Examples of breaking point in a Sentence

tensions between the two nations had risen to the breaking point
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Their relationship came to a breaking point when another student witnessed them kissing in January 2017. Alex Gurley, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025 Others use it as a breaking point for transformation. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 Despite all the pastor’s conventionality and sanctimony, there are flames between them, but those flickers run fairly cool until a breaking point in which Manders at last makes explicit reference to them. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2025 There appeared to be a consensus Wednesday that Idaho’s child care industry is in crisis, with workers and parents stretched to a breaking point. Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for breaking point

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breaking point was in 1865

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breaking point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breaking%20point. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

breaking point

noun
: the point at which a person gives way under stress
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!