break off
11 synonyms and 3 antonyms for break off, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To end something suddenly, especially a relationship, discussion or agreement.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To end something suddenly, especially a relationship, discussion or agreement.
“The two countries broke off diplomatic relations last week.”
Opposites
2. verb
To detach a piece from a larger whole, or to come away from it.
“He broke off a chunk of bread and passed it across.”
3. verb
To stop speaking or doing something abruptly.
“She broke off mid-sentence when he walked in.”
How to use break off
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Separable in the detaching sense — 'break a piece off' or 'break off a piece' both work. In the relationship sense it is usually 'break off the engagement' rather than 'break the engagement off'.
Etymology
From Middle English breke of (“break off, terminate”), a dissimilated form of earlier Middle English ofbreken. By surface analysis, break + off.
Full origin of break off →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 'break off' and 'break up'?
'Break up' is what a dating couple does when they end the relationship. 'Break off' is more formal and applies to an engagement, negotiations, or diplomatic relations. You would break up with a boyfriend, but break off an engagement.
What does it mean to break off talks?
It means to stop negotiations before they have reached a conclusion, usually because one side is unwilling to continue. It implies an abrupt end rather than a planned finish.