break off

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When ovarian cancer develops, cancer cells break off from the tumor.

From Science Daily • Feb. 9, 2026

Genesis offered to refund the intended mother, Ann Gottesman, its $35,000 agency fee if she chose to break off the relationship with Genesis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025

At one point it appeared she tried to break off the conversation to sit down on the frontbench but he kept going.

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2025

More people walked up the dunes, including Dan Tauber, who said he’d been motorcycling around the area with friends before deciding to break off from the group to experience the launch.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2025

The sinking of the Lusitania shocked the American people, helped turn public opinion against Germany, and almost caused the United States to break off relations with Germany.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman