Divide into many pieces; disintegrate. For example, Now break up the head of garlic into separate cloves . [Mid-1700s]

"},{"id":"4effa20080539d2858350457","ordinal":2,"source":"american-heritage","text":"

Interrupt the continuity of something, as in A short walk will break up the long morning .

"},{"id":"4effa20080539d2858350458","ordinal":3,"source":"american-heritage","text":"

Also, break it up . Scatter, disperse, as in The crowd broke up as soon as they reached the streets . [Late 1400s] This phrase is also used as an imperative, as in “Break it up!” shouted the police officer . [c. 1930]

"},{"id":"4effa20080539d2858350459","ordinal":4,"source":"american-heritage","text":"

Bring or come to an end, as in His gambling was bound to break up their marriage .

"},{"id":"4effa20080539d285835045a","ordinal":5,"source":"american-heritage","text":"

Also, break someone up . Burst into or cause one to burst into an expression of feeling, such as laughter or tears. For example, His jokes always break me up , or That touching eulogy broke us all up , or I looked at her and just broke up . The precise meaning depends on the context. This sense grew out of a usage from the early 1800s that meant “upset” or “disturb.” [ Colloquial ; early 1800s]

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break up

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