Rupture: meaning, definitions and examples

Usually used in medical or technical contexts to describe something breaking under pressure or stress, often unexpectedly. Can also have a dramatic or severe connotation.

• He suffered a ruptured appendix
• The pipeline ruptured, causing a major spill

Indicates something being ripped, often describing softer materials like fabric or paper, usually unintentionally. It can have a sense of damage.

• She accidentally tore her dress
• The paper tore when he tried to remove it from the notebook

A general term for something separating into pieces due to force, only sometimes unexpectedly and often used for physical objects. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

• She accidentally broke the glass
• The chain broke under the weight

Refers to something dividing into parts or sections, either intentionally or unintentionally. Often used with materials, groups, or decisions.

• They decided to split the bill evenly
• The log split in half after a single strike with the axe

Use this word for describing a sudden or violent break or burst, often in a physical context like medical situations or structural damage, but it can also describe emotional or relational breaks in an intense way.

• The dam's rupture caused severe flooding in the town.
• After the heated argument, they experienced a rupture in their friendship.

This term is commonly used to describe the end of a romantic relationship or the disbanding of a group.

• They went through a difficult breakup after five years together.
• The band's breakup was a shock to their fans.

Refers to a disagreement or argument that leads to the end of a friendly relationship. It implies a less sudden, more conversational context than 'rupture'.

• Their friendship suffered a falling out over a business dispute.
• We've had a falling out, but I hope we can reconcile soon.

Describes a division or separation, typically less intense than rupture. It can be used for both relational and physical contexts, including organizational splits or separations.

• The company announced a split into two separate entities.
• After years of differences, they decided to split and go their separate ways.

This term is often used in medical or technical contexts when something breaks suddenly and completely.

• The patient suffered a rupture to his spleen.
• The pipe ruptured due to high pressure.

Used to describe something that breaks open, usually due to internal pressure, or when something happens suddenly.

• The balloon burst with a loud pop.
• She burst into tears.

This word is used when something divides into two or more parts, often neatly or purposely.

• They decided to split the bill equally.
• The log split in two after the axe strike.

Typically used when something is pulled apart forcefully, often referring to fabric or paper, or when expressing emotional depth.

• She accidentally tore her dress on the fence.
• He was in tears after hearing the news.