break off

• Verbe à particule utilisé pour indiquer la séparation d'une partie d'un tout ou l'arrêt soudain d'une relation, d'une conversation ou d'une activité.

A phrasal verb used to indicate the act of separating a part from something, or ending a relationship, conversation, or activity abruptly.

indénombrable · verbe irrégulier · transitif et intransitif · phrasal, séparable

1. Separate physicallyformal

   To cause something to become detached or separated from a larger object by force.

   détacher physiquement

   • He broke off a piece of chocolate and gave it to her.
   • The branch broke off the tree during the storm.
   • She broke off the handle of the cup by accident.

   Synonymesdetachseparateseversnap offtear off

   Antonymesattachconnectfastenjoinunite

2. End a relationship or discussionformal

   To suddenly stop or end a relationship, conversation, or negotiation.

   rompre (une relation ou une discussion)

   • They decided to break off their engagement.
   • The talks broke off without any agreement.
   • She broke off the conversation abruptly and walked away.

   Synonymesbreak upcall offcut shortdiscontinuedissolveendhaltseverstopterminate

   Antonymescontinuemaintainreconcileresumesustain

3. Stop abruptlyinformal

   To suddenly stop doing something, especially speaking.

   s'arrêter brusquement

   • He broke off in the middle of his sentence.
   • The speaker broke off when the fire alarm rang.
   • She broke off her singing when she saw the audience.

   Synonymesceasecut shortdiscontinuehaltstop

   Antonymescontinueproceedresume

Verbe de basebreak