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

having been broken

he had a broken arm

(of a person) having given up all hope; despairing

he went to his grave a broken man

having breaks or gaps in continuity

a broken white line across the road

(of a language) spoken falteringly and with many mistakes, as by a foreigner

a young man talking in broken Italian

having an uneven and rough surface

he pressed onwards over the broken ground