Language Focus  ·  Phrasal Verb

One Phrase, Six Meanings: Break Down

One of the most versatile phrasal verbs in English — break down can describe everything from a car on the side of the road to a moment of deep emotion. Here are all six meanings.

Meaning 1 of 6
break downphrasal verb

To separate something into smaller parts in order to examine or explain it more clearly.

Examples

  1. 1 Let's break down the total cost so everyone can see exactly where the money is going.
  2. 2 The teacher broke down the grammar rule into three simple steps.
  3. 3 The report breaks down the survey results by age group and region.
  4. 4 It's a complex issue, but if we break it down, it's easier to understand.
Meaning 2 of 6
break downphrasal verb

When a machine or vehicle stops working.

Examples

  1. 1 We were already late when the car broke down on the highway.
  2. 2 The factory had to stop production because one of the main machines broke down.
  3. 3 The escalotor suddenly broke down; the stranded shoppers had to walk up to get off.
  4. 4 If your vehicle breaks down on the highway, pull over immediately and place a safety reflector behind your vehicle..
Meaning 3 of 6
break downphrasal verb

To lose emotional control, usually by starting to cry.

Examples

  1. 1 She broke down when she heard the news about her father's passing.
  2. 2 He tried to stay calm during the speech, but he broke down halfway through.
  3. 3 After weeks of stress, she finally broke down and cried.
  4. 4 The witness broke down in court and couldn't continue speaking.
Meaning 4 of 6
a breakdownnoun

A period when someone is so mentally or emotionally exhausted that they are unable to function normally.

Examples

  1. 1 After months of overwork and stress, he suffered a breakdown and had to take time off.
  2. 2 Too much work and life stress caused her to have a nervous breakdown.
  3. 3 A breakdown doesn't happen overnight — it usually builds up slowly over a long period of time.
  4. 4 He's recovering well after his mental breakdown last year and has just returned to work.
Meaning 5 of 6
break downphrasal verb

When a system, relationship, or process fails and stops working effectively.

Examples

  1. 1 Peace talks between the two sides broke down after neither party could agree on the key terms.
  2. 2 Communication broke down completely between the two departments, and the project failed as a result.
  3. 3 The relationship broke down over time due to a lack of trust.
  4. 4 When the supply chain broke down during the transportation strike, consumer prices skyrocketed.
Meaning 6 of 6
break downphrasal verb

When a substance is chemically separated or decomposed into simpler parts.

Examples

  1. 1 The body breaks down food into nutrients that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
  2. 2 Certain bacteria break down organic waste and return nutrients to the soil.
  3. 3 This chemical compound breaks down quickly when exposed to sunlight.
  4. 4 The enzyme helps break down lactose, making dairy products easier to digest.

English Language Focus  ·  B1–B1+ Level