Breakaway: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "breakaway" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fuga

🇮🇳 विच्छेद

🇩🇪 Ausreißer

🇮🇩 pelarian

🇺🇦 відрив

🇵🇱 ucieczka

🇯🇵 脱走 (dassō)

🇫🇷 échappée

🇪🇸 fuga

🇹🇷 kaçış

🇰🇷 탈출 (talchul)

🇸🇦 هروب

🇨🇿 únik

🇸🇰 únik

🇨🇳 逃脱 (táotuō)

🇸🇮 pobeg

🇮🇸 flótti

🇰🇿 қашу

🇬🇪 გაქცევა

🇦🇿 qaçış

🇲🇽 escape