Definition

Noun: 1. An instance of sudden interruption: The act of stopping something abruptly or discontinuing an activity, conversation, or relationship before it is finished.

Usage

The noun "breaking off" describes a single event where something is terminated suddenly and unexpectedly. It is often used to describe the end of discussions, negotiations, engagements, or physical objects.

Examples

• The breaking off of diplomatic talks led to increased tensions between the two countries.
• There was a sudden breaking off in their conversation when the boss entered the room.
• The breaking off of the engagement was a shock to everyone in the family.

Advanced Usage

• "the breaking off of relations": A formal phrase used in politics or diplomacy to describe the act of ending official connections or communications between groups or nations.
  • The scandal resulted in the breaking off of relations between the two allied companies.

Variants and Related Words

• Break off (Phrasal Verb): To stop suddenly, to end something abruptly, or to detach a piece from something.
  • Verb: She decided to break off the interview. The handle broke off in my hand.
• Breakoff (Noun, often hyphenated as break-off): An alternative, less common noun form with the same meaning as "breaking off."
  • The break-off in negotiations was inevitable.

Synonyms

• Cessation: The fact or process of ending or being brought to an end.
• Discontinuation: The action of stopping something.
• Suspension: The temporary prevention of something from continuing or being in force or effect.
• Termination: The action of bringing something or coming to an end.

Related Phrasal Verbs (from the base verb "break")

• Break off: To stop talking or doing something suddenly.
  • He broke off in the middle of his sentence.
• Break up: To end a relationship; to separate into smaller pieces.
  • The band broke up last year. Break up the chocolate into chunks.

Related Idioms

• To break it off: An informal idiom specifically meaning to end a romantic relationship.
  • After two years of dating, she finally decided to break it off.

Noun

1. an instance of sudden interruption