View synonyms for

breakup

[ breyk-uhp ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

disintegration; disruption; dispersal.
the ending of a personal, especially a romantic, relationship.
(in Alaska and Canada)
1. the melting and loosening of ice in rivers and harbors during the early spring.
2. the first day on which such ice is soft or dispersed enough to permit ships to use the waterways.
Informal. an act or instance of being convulsed with laughter.
temporary distortion in a televised picture.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of breakup¹

First recorded in 1785–95; noun use of verb phrase break up

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

West Sacramento officials say they had no role in the A’s messy breakup with Oakland.

From

Perhaps they were understandably exhausted by the trauma and infighting of The Beatles’ breakup.

From

West Sacramento was on its way, even before the A’s very bad breakup with Oakland.

From

Lindhome also includes a few songs that didn’t make it into “Dead Inside” — “90 Percent Sure,” a back-and-forth duet with fellow comedian Ken Marino, looks back at the comedian’s breakup with an unnamed ex-boyfriend.

From

He doesn’t shy away from recounting breakups, makeups and legal and personal battles between the friends and bandmates, but there is a patina of sadness over these anecdotes, rather than bitterness or blame-laying.

From

Related Words

breaktime break up

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