break
Shatter or pause
Break is highly varied in its noun and verb meanings and it also forms the foundation of several frequent phrasal verbs, such as break down, break in, and break off.
The ideas common to all meanings of break are discontinuity or separation.
You might think that the things most often broken are tangible, like windows or vases, but the words that most often follow the verb break are abstract, such as law, record, rule, and heart.
The most popular meaning of break as a noun is not about things being broken; it’s about discontinuity in time or activity: Take a break to think about it.
Narrow break or attempt
- splintDevice immobilizing injured limbs
- castPerformers, throw, or splint
- boneHard skeletal tissue
- healRestore to wellness
shatter · snap · chip · stress · compound · spiral · hairline · clean
Morning light's arrival
- morningDay's early hours
- daylightSun's natural glow
- first lightEarliest morning brightness
- crackNarrow break or attempt
Separation into parts
- divorceLegal end of matrimony
- endFinal portion or cessation
- apartIn different locations
- offNot functioning
ties · estrangement · severance · rupture
Scheduled performance pause
- respiteShort pause from hardship
- hiatusBreak in activity
- breatherBrief period of rest
- lullTemporary period of quiet
recess · interval · interlude · rest · time-out · downtime · halftime · coffee
Rhythmic pulse or strike
- surpassExceed in achievement
- shatterFragment violently, suddenly
- smashBreak violently apart
- worldPlanet or realm
personal · holder · attempt · previous · historic · milestone
Likelihood of occurrence
- openingGap or start
- prospectPotential client or opportunity
- windowGlass-fitted wall opening
- luckyFavored by chance
big · career · audition · discovery · spotlight · debut · shot · moment
Attend to needs
- pointExact location or meaning
- gameOrganized play or sport
- setArrange in position
- matchGame between opponents
advantage · deuce · love · tiebreak · service · return · fault · let
Governing principle or standard
- lawBinding principle or regulation
- promiseCommitment to act
- contractEnforceable written agreement
- oathFormal binding promise
trust · protocol · code · agreement · treaty · vow · taboo · commandment
crack
Narrow break or attempt
heal · shatter · snap · chip · stress · compound · spiral · hairline · clean · displaced
sunrise
Morning light's arrival
- morningDay's early hours
- daylightSun's natural glow
- first lightEarliest morning brightness
split
Separation into parts
off · ties · estrangement · severance · rupture
intermission
Scheduled performance pause
lull · recess · interval · interlude · rest · time-out · downtime · halftime · coffee · lunch
beat
Rhythmic pulse or strike
world · personal · holder · attempt · previous · historic · milestone
chance
Likelihood of occurrence
lucky · big · career · audition · discovery · spotlight · debut · shot · moment · turning point
serve
Attend to needs
match · advantage · deuce · love · tiebreak · service · return · fault · let · ace
rule
Governing principle or standard
oath · trust · protocol · code · agreement · treaty · vow · taboo · commandment · curfew
prison
Confinement for offenders
getaway · jailbreak · fugitive · loose · run · bolt · out · bust · liberate · chains
story
Account of events
- bulletinBrief public announcement
- scoopFirst-reported story
- announcementPublic declaration of information
exclusive · update · headline · report · revelation · leak · dispatch · alert · flash · developing
- break upEnd a relationship
- break downFail mechanically or emotionally
- breaking upEnding a romantic relationship
- break outTo suddenly emerge or escape
- take a breakCease activity temporarily
- breaking downStopping working properly
breaking, breakfast, breakdown, break up, breakup, daybreak, outbreak, breakable, breaks