Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Breakaway Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⚡️
Add to dictionary

breakaway

[ˈbreɪkəweɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

hockey

A play in hockey where a player with the puck skates quickly away from defenders towards the opponent's goal.

Synonyms

escape, runaway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
breakaway

This term is often used in sports to describe a player or team separating themselves from the pack, or in political contexts to describe a group's divergence from a larger faction.

  • The cyclist made a breakaway from the peloton and won the race
  • The breakaway faction formed a new political party

Examples of usage

  • The player made a breakaway towards the goal.
  • She scored on a breakaway against the goalie.
Context #2 | Noun

music

A solo passage or section in a musical piece that stands out from the rest.

Synonyms

interlude, solo.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
breakaway

Commonly used in sports or competitive contexts, referring to a player or team separating from others to lead. It can also mean a separation from a larger group or organization to form a new one.

  • The cyclist made a breakaway in the last lap, securing his victory.
  • There was a breakaway faction that formed its own company after disagreements.
solo

Usually applied in music or performance settings, describing an act performed by a single person. It can also describe doing something alone, without assistance from others.

  • Her violin solo was the highlight of the concert.
  • He decided to go on a solo hike through the mountains.
interlude

Typically used in artistic contexts, such as music, theater, or literature. Refers to a short period between two parts of a performance or piece, providing a temporary break.

  • The interlude provided a necessary pause between the acts of the play.
  • The orchestral interlude was a delightful addition to the concert.

Examples of usage

  • The breakaway by the guitarist was captivating.
  • The song features a beautiful breakaway section.
Context #3 | Noun

business

A situation where a person or group leaves an organization or system to form their own independent entity.

Synonyms

secession, split.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
breakaway

Refers to a situation or action in sports when an athlete or team moves ahead of others, creating a significant gap. This term is often used in cycling, soccer, or hockey.

  • The cyclist made a breakaway during the final lap and won the race.
  • His breakaway goal secured the victory for the team.
secession

Used specifically for the formal withdrawal of a region or group from a larger political entity or country. It has a formal and often historical connotation.

  • The secession of the southern states led to the American Civil War.
  • The region's secession was seen as a bid for independence.
split

Refers to a division or separation within a group, often due to differing opinions or conflict. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts with a slightly negative connotation.

  • The organization's split over the new policy caused a lot of internal conflict.
  • There was a split in the group after the disagreement during the meeting.

Examples of usage

  • The breakaway of the company led to the formation of a new startup.
  • The breakaway faction established its own business.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, a breakaway can indicate a person's need for independence, reflecting a desire to forge their own path.
  • Identifying when to break away from toxic relationships can be crucial for mental health and personal growth.
  • Breakaway behaviors often correlate with age, as individuals tend to seek more independence during adolescence.

Sports

  • In team sports, a breakaway often refers to a player gaining a sudden advantage and moving ahead of opponents.
  • Breakaway plays are thrilling moments in games, illustrating speed and agility, often leading to scoring opportunities.
  • The term also applies to specific cycling tactics, where a cyclist makes a sudden sprint to gain distance from competitors.

Pop Culture

  • The song 'Breakaway' by Kelly Clarkson captures the desire to break free and chase one’s dreams, resonating with many listeners.
  • Breakout films often show characters who break away from their normal lives to explore new possibilities or adventures.
  • In literature, the theme of breaking away often symbolizes personal growth and the struggle for freedom.

History

  • The term gained political significance during events like the breakaway of colonies from empires throughout history.
  • During the American Revolution, many colonists sought to break away from British rule, influencing global ideas about democracy.
  • The Soviet Union experienced several breakaway movements that led to the independence of numerous countries in the early 1990s.

Origin of 'breakaway'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'breakaway' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'break' (to separate) with 'away' (far from a place).
  • It was first popularized in the context of sports, particularly in cycling where a rider might break away from the pack.
  • The word has evolved over time to describe various situations, from physical escapes to metaphorical ones in personal freedoms.

The term 'breakaway' originated in the early 20th century and was initially used in the context of sports, particularly hockey. It later expanded to music and business to describe a distinct or independent action or entity. The concept of breaking away from the norm or established entity has been a recurring theme in various fields.

See also: break, breakable, breakdown, breakdowns, breaker, breaking, breakthrough, breakthroughs, breakup, outbreak, unbreakable, unbroken.