breaking
UK: ˈbreɪkɪŋ | US: ˈbreɪkɪŋ
n. 1. The act of separating into pieces suddenly or violently.
n. 2. (Dance) A style of street dance involving acrobatic moves.
v. (present participle of break) 1. Causing something to separate into pieces.
v. 2. Violating a rule or law.
The word breaking derives from the Old English brecan, meaning "to divide, shatter, or violate." The root break retains its core sense of forceful separation, while the suffix -ing forms a present participle or gerund, indicating ongoing action or a resulting state. In modern contexts, breaking extends metaphorically (e.g., "breaking news") and culturally (e.g., breakdancing).
The sound of breaking glass startled everyone.
He was fined for breaking traffic rules.
Breaking into the industry requires persistence.
The dancers practiced breaking for hours.
The journalist reported the breaking story live.