break down — to stop working properly; to fail mechanically
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to stop working properly; to fail mechanically
Pronunciation (IPA): /breɪk daʊn/
Example Sentences
- My laptop decided to break down right before my important presentation - talk about perfect timing!
- The negotiations broke down when both sides refused to compromise.
- Can you break down this complex formula for someone who failed high school math?
break down
VERB[/breɪk daʊn/]
to stop working properly; to fail mechanically
Her old car began to break down on the empty highway at midnight.
When cranes break down, shake down debris and take down signs!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English 'breken' (to break) combined with 'down' from Old English 'dūn' (downward). The phrasal verb emerged in the 19th century to describe something ceasing to function or deteriorating.
Breakdown
break (to separate into pieces; to stop functioning) + down (downward direction; to a lower state) = break down (to cease working; to fail mechanically)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My laptop decided to break down right before my important presentation - talk about perfect timing!”
“The negotiations broke down when both sides refused to compromise.”
“Can you break down this complex formula for someone who failed high school math?”
“The old factory building will be broken down next month to make room for a shopping mall.”
“He broke down when he realized he had been eating expired yogurt for a week.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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