separate or cause to separate into pieces as a result of a blow, shock, or strain

the branch broke with a loud snap

windows in the street were broken by the blast

interrupt (a sequence, course, or continuous state)

this broke the pattern of generations remaining in the place where they were born

his concentration was broken by a sound

fail to observe (a law, regulation, or agreement)

the council says it will prosecute traders who break the law

the legally binding contract can only be broken by mutual consent

if I don't go, I'll be breaking my promise

crush the emotional strength, spirit, or resistance of

the idea was to better the prisoners, not to break them

(of the weather) change suddenly, especially after a fine spell

the weather broke and thunder rumbled through a leaden sky

(of news or a scandal) suddenly become public

since the news broke I've received thousands of wonderful letters

(chiefly of an attacking player or team, or of a military force) make a rush or dash in a particular direction

Mitchell won possession and broke quickly, allowing Hughes to score

an interruption of continuity or uniformity

the magazine has been published without a break since 1950

a pause in work or during an activity or event

I need a break from mental activity

those returning to work after a career break

a coffee break

a gap or opening

the track bends left through a break in the hedge

he stopped to wait for a break in the traffic

an instance of breaking something, or the point where something is broken

he was stretchered off with a break to the leg

a rush or dash in a particular direction, especially by an attacking player or team

Norwich scored on a rare break with 11 minutes left

an opportunity or chance, especially one leading to professional success

he got his break as an entertainer on a TV music hall show

a consecutive series of successful shots, scoring a specified number of points

a break of 83 put him in front for the first time

a bud or shoot sprouting from a stem