Breaking: meaning, definitions and examples

Suitable for describing the act of something turning into two or more pieces with significant force or impact. Often implies complete separation.

• The vase is breaking after it fell off the table.
• He is breaking the chocolate bar into pieces.

Commonly used in medical contexts to describe breakage in bones. Can also be used for other materials, but with a focus on structural integrity.

• He suffered a fracture in his arm.
• The earthquake caused a fracture in the bridge.

Used to describe a partial separation or small lines that appear on the surface of an object. Doesn't always mean complete breaking.

• There is a crack in the wall.
• She noticed a crack in the glass.

Refers to dividing or separating something into parts, often used for decisions, groups, or items that naturally divide along a line.

• Let's split the bill between us.
• The group is split on the decision.

Use in situations where something is being torn apart or destroyed. The term often has a negative connotation and implies a sudden disruption.

• The breaking of the vase upset everyone
• Breaking the contract can result in legal consequences

Used to describe a temporary stop in an activity or process, usually to take a breath or refocus. It often implies intention and is less formal than 'interval'.

• She paused to think before answering
• They took a pause in the conversation

Use when referring to a longer period of relaxation and recovery, often involving sleep. It generally has a positive connotation.

• You need to rest after that long hike
• Doctors recommend a good night's rest for better health

Used in formal or technical discussions to refer to a specific period of time between events. Usually related to scheduled or repeating events.

• The interval between classes is only ten minutes
• He timed the intervals between his workout sets

Use this word when something is physically separating or coming apart.

• He heard the sound of glass breaking
• The storm caused the breaking of tree branches

This word is used to indicate a serious breaking of laws, rules, or rights and often carries a negative connotation.

• The company faced severe penalties for environmental violations
• His actions were a blatant violation of community guidelines

This term is often used in legal contexts to refer to minor violations of laws, rules, or agreements.

• He was fined for a minor traffic infraction
• The team was penalized for a rules infraction

This word is used when referring to a break in a barrier, a gap in security, or a failure to follow a rule or agreement.

• There was a breach in the wall of the fortress
• The company faced a data breach last month

General term for separating into pieces or stopping the function of something.

• The breaking of the vase caused a mess on the floor.
• He was breaking the rules and got punished.

Describes the action of breaking something into multiple small pieces, often violently.

• The glass shatter when it hit the ground.
• Her confidence was shatter by the harsh criticism.

Implies breaking something completely, often accompanied by a loud noise or force.

• The kids love to smash the piñata at birthday parties.
• He accidentally smash his phone against the wall.

Refers to making a narrow gap or causing something to partially split.

• John managed to crack the code.
• The earthquake caused the walls to crack.