Break down
verb
To stop working properly.
The car broke down on the way to the beach.
Often appears as...
- car break down
- machine break down
verb
To separate something into smaller parts.
He broke down the problem into smaller parts.
Often appears as...
- break down a problem
- break down a task
verb
To be unable to control your feelings and start crying.
She broke down in tears when she heard the news.
Often appears as...
- break down in tears
- break down crying
verb
To change a complex substance into simpler substances.
Enzymes help to break down food in the stomach.
Often appears as...
- break down food
- break down substance
Usage tips
Technical
phrasal verb
To fail to function, to collapse, especially of negotiations, relationships etc.
The trade talks between the two countries broke down.
Often appears as...
- negotiations break down
- talks break down
Usage tips
Formal
verb
To stop working properly.
The car broke down on the way to the beach.
Often appears as...
- car break down
- machine break down
verb
To separate something into smaller parts.
He broke down the problem into smaller parts.
Often appears as...
- break down a problem
- break down a task
verb
To be unable to control your feelings and start crying.
She broke down in tears when she heard the news.
Often appears as...
- break down in tears
- break down crying
verb
To change a complex substance into simpler substances.
Enzymes help to break down food in the stomach.
Often appears as...
- break down food
- break down substance
Usage tips
Technical
phrasal verb
To fail to function, to collapse, especially of negotiations, relationships etc.
The trade talks between the two countries broke down.
Often appears as...
- negotiations break down
- talks break down
Usage tips
Formal
Definition 1 of 5
Pro Tip 1/2Unexpected Failures
Use 'break down' when something suddenly stops functioning, often inconveniently.
My laptop broke down right before the presentation.
Pro Tip 2/2Not Always Physical
'Break down' can refer to non-physical processes like systems or negotiations failing.
The online registration system broke down due to high traffic.
Pro Tip 1/2Unexpected Failures
Use 'break down' when something suddenly stops functioning, often inconveniently.
My laptop broke down right before the presentation.
Pro Tip 2/2Not Always Physical
'Break down' can refer to non-physical processes like systems or negotiations failing.
The online registration system broke down due to high traffic.
Pro Tip 1/2Unexpected Failures
Use 'break down' when something suddenly stops functioning, often inconveniently.
My laptop broke down right before the presentation.
Pro Tip 2/2Not Always Physical
'Break down' can refer to non-physical processes like systems or negotiations failing.
The online registration system broke down due to high traffic.
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