breaking

adjbursting
noundivision

Synonyms for breaking

adj bursting

Antonyms for breaking

Word Origin & History

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).

Example Sentences forbreaking

I see some man in the East has a fad for breaking the ice in the river and going swimming.

The breaking of Hope's engagement to Philip was attributed to every cause but the true one.

The gambling houses can do it, and so keep on breaking the law.

I cried, breaking out upon them, for I couldn't stand it any longer.

I brought sickness on the village, and on you hunger and the breaking of your vow.'

The breaking of the marriage covenant is followed by shame and misery.

An opportunity was now presented of breaking off the action.

It was like slipping on a bit of orange peel in the dark and breaking your leg.

"I asked you to be silent," interrupted Castell, breaking him short.

Forgive me, my dear friend, for breaking into my story by these reflections.

breaking

Synonyms for breaking

Antonyms for breaking

bursting

crumbling

division

divisions

good-bye

breaking

Synonyms for breaking

Antonyms for breaking

More words related to breaking

breakup

bursting

crumbling

division

divisions

good-bye