break
UK: breɪk | US: breɪk
v. to separate into pieces suddenly or violently
v. to interrupt or stop continuity
n. a pause or interruption in activity
n. a gap or opening
The word "break" originates from Old English brecan, meaning "to fracture, shatter, or burst." This Germanic root (related to Dutch breken and German brechen) traces back to Proto-Indo-European bhreg-, which conveyed the idea of "breaking" or "splitting." The word has retained its core meaning of physical separation but expanded metaphorically to include interruptions (e.g., "break the silence") and pauses (e.g., "coffee break"). Its simplicity and versatility make it a foundational verb in English.
Be careful not to break the glass.
The news will break at noon.
Let’s take a short break after this meeting.
A sudden noise broke the silence.
The detective worked hard to break the case.