Antonyms for break


Grammar : Noun, verb
Spell : breyk
Phonetic Transcription : breɪk


Definition of break

Origin :
  • Old English brecan "to break, shatter, burst; injure, violate, destroy, curtail; break into, rush into; burst forth, spring out; subdue, tame" (class IV strong verb; past tense bræc, past participle brocen), from Proto-Germanic *brekan (cf. Old Frisian breka, Dutch breken, Old High German brehhan, German brechen, Gothic brikan), from PIE root *bhreg- "to break" (see fraction). Most modern senses were in Old English. In reference to the heart from early 13c. Meaning "to disclose" is from early 13c.
  • Break bread "share food" (with) is from late 14c. Break the ice is c.1600, in reference to the "coldness" of encounters of strangers. Break wind first attested 1550s. To break (something) out (1890s) probably is an image from dock work, of freeing cargo before unloading it. Ironic theatrical good luck formula break a leg has parallels in German Hals- und Beinbruch "break your neck and leg," and Italian in bocca al lupo. Evidence of a highly superstitious craft (cf. Macbeth).
  • noun fissure, opening
  • noun interruption of activity
  • noun change from friendly to unfriendly relationship
  • noun lucky happening
  • verb destroy; make whole into pieces
  • verb violate law
  • verb weaken, cause instability
  • verb stop an action
  • verb tell news
  • verb better a performance
  • verb emerge, happen
  • verb run away
  • verb cushion something's effect
Example sentences :
  • In you I was sure of a mind strong enough to break the fetters of habit.
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • You don't want to let him be the one to break it because you lost your money, do you?
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • I am not faint-hearted,” said Stephen; “but I will not break mine oath to my master.
  • Extract from : « The Armourer's Prentices » by Charlotte M. Yonge
  • My master would deem me ungrateful, Ambrose break his heart.
  • Extract from : « The Armourer's Prentices » by Charlotte M. Yonge
  • "Another tribe is trying to break into our land," he said to himself.
  • Extract from : « Ancient Man » by Hendrik Willem van Loon
  • He dreaded to break the news to his mother, for he knew that it would distress her.
  • Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
  • Daubenton took it up, and began carelessly to break an egg with it.
  • Extract from : « Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. 327 » by Various
  • I am loth to interrupt you, Clary; though you could more than once break in upon me.
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson
  • Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various
  • In a few days John Lambert would return, and then the storm must break.
  • Extract from : « Malbone » by Thomas Wentworth Higginson

Synonyms for break

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019