break-offs
|break-off|
🇺🇸
/ˈbreɪkˌɔf/
🇬🇧
/ˈbreɪkˌɒf/
(break-off)
separation by breaking; sudden ending
Etymology
'break-off' originates from English, specifically a compound of 'break' and 'off', where 'break' meant 'to shatter or separate' and 'off' meant 'away; apart'.
'break' comes from Old English 'brecan' (West Germanic origin) and 'off' from Old English 'of/āf' (meaning 'away'). The verb phrase 'break off' developed in Middle English and the noun form 'break-off' (a separation or detached piece) arose later as a compound noun.
Initially, the components described the physical action 'to break away', and over time the compound came to be used both for physical detachments and for figurative/situational endings (e.g., ending talks or relationships).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a piece that has been broken away from a larger object; a detached fragment.
The technician noted several break-offs along the edge of the panel.
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Noun 2
a sudden ending or interruption (of an activity, relationship, conversation, or negotiation).
There were several break-offs in the talks before both sides finally reached an agreement.
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Noun 3
informal: short pauses or interruptions in speech or performance (often unexpected).
The comedian managed the break-offs in his routine with quick jokes.
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Last updated: 2025/12/15 08:58