verb

break off

BRAYK off

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Break off (verb) means to end something suddenly, especially a relationship, discussion or agreement. Example: “The two countries broke off diplomatic relations last week.”

verb

To end something suddenly, especially a relationship, discussion or agreement.

"The two countries broke off diplomatic relations last week."

"They broke off the engagement a month before the wedding."

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."

"A section of the cliff broke off into the sea overnight."

To stop speaking or doing something abruptly.

"She broke off mid-sentence when he walked in."

How to use break off

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo stop or snap something off, suddenly.

When to use it

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'.

Memory tip

For couples, use 'break up'. 'Break off' is for a formal engagement or for talks between organisations or countries.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

break up break down call off

Common pairings

break off an engagement break off talks break off relations break off a piece break off mid-sentence

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Etymology

Came from Middle English breke of (“break off, terminate”), a dissimilated form of the earlier Middle English ofbreken. By surface analysis, it is break plus off.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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end terminate sever discontinue call off snap off detach separate stop short pause cut off

Antonyms

resume restore continue

Related words

time last end keep point stop stay continue

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.

What is the meaning of break off?

"break off" (verb) means to end something suddenly, especially a relationship, discussion or agreement.

What is another word for break off?

Other words for "break off" include end, terminate, sever, discontinue, call off, snap off.

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