break down
Fail and stop
To break down is to stop functioning: The car broke down on the highway.
It also means to lose emotional control: She broke down crying.
Breaking something down means dividing it into parts for analysis or comprehension: Let me break down the costs for you.
A breakdown is the noun form—a mechanical failure, an emotional collapse, or an itemized analysis.
Cut open to examine
- examineStudy with attention
- deconstructAnalyze by breaking down
- parseExamine syntax closely
- scrutinizeInspect with close attention
evaluate · assess · categorize · simplify · itemize · segment · outline · subdivide
Be unsuccessful
- stallEnclosed compartment or delay
- conk outCease functioning suddenly
- sputterEmit irregular popping sounds
- seizeTake suddenly, forcibly
overheat · glitch · error · defect · kaput · unreliable · repair · mechanic
Fragment gradually
- toppleCause to fall
- fall apartBreak into pieces
- give wayCollapse or relent
- cave inCollapse or yield
buckle · fail · disintegrate · deteriorate · crumple · implode · fracture · shatter
Vocal expression of emotion
- sobConvulsive weeping
- weepShed tears emotionally
- tearsViolent pulls apart
- meltdownCatastrophic loss of control
overwhelmed · catharsis · venting · snap · lose it · composure · unravel · crumble
Organic breakdown process
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- biodegradeDecay via microorganisms
- compostDecayed organic fertilizer
- putrefyDecompose with stench
molder · spoil · organic · bacteria · enzymes · nutrients · fertilizer · mulch
Obstruction preventing passage
- misunderstandingFailure to grasp meaning
- disconnectTo break a connection
- impasseSituation without resolution
- miscommunicationFailed exchange of meaning
lost in translation · cultural · language · dialogue · mediation · bridging · clarify · rephrase
dissect
Cut open to examine
- examineStudy with attention
- deconstructAnalyze by breaking down
- parseExamine syntax closely
scrutinize · evaluate · assess · categorize · simplify · itemize · segment · outline · subdivide · summarize
fail
Be unsuccessful
- stallEnclosed compartment or delay
- conk outCease functioning suddenly
- sputterEmit irregular popping sounds
seize · overheat · glitch · error · defect · kaput · unreliable · repair · mechanic · troubleshoot
crumble
Fragment gradually
- toppleCause to fall
- fall apartBreak into pieces
- give wayCollapse or relent
cave in · buckle · fail · disintegrate · deteriorate · crumple · implode · fracture · shatter · structurally
cry
Vocal expression of emotion
meltdown · overwhelmed · catharsis · venting · snap · lose it · composure · unravel · crumble · therapy
rot
Organic breakdown process
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- biodegradeDecay via microorganisms
- compostDecayed organic fertilizer
putrefy · molder · spoil · organic · bacteria · enzymes · nutrients · fertilizer · mulch · detritus
barrier
Obstruction preventing passage
- misunderstandingFailure to grasp meaning
- disconnectTo break a connection
- impasseSituation without resolution
miscommunication · lost in translation · cultural · language · dialogue · mediation · bridging · clarify · rephrase · common ground
- breakbreakaway, breakout, breakthrough, breakup, jailbreak
- collapsecollapse, cave in, cave-in, fall in, give way
- deterioratedecay, rot, deteriorate, decompose, corrode
- failingfail, fails, collapse, flop, bomb
- phrasal verbspick up, look at, turn on, turn off, wait for
- simplificationsimplification, simplifying, simplify, condensing, simplified
break downhold it together
Maintain emotional stability
keep it together · recover · pull oneself together · stay strong · cope
break downsynthesize
Combine into unified whole
build up · combine · assemble · integrate · put together