breaking 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.

The plate tears apart in stages, with different sections breaking off over time.

From Science Daily • Apr. 29, 2026

During tours of the newly returned land, tribal culture experts kept breaking off to take care of the various native plants that they noticed needed some love.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

While welcoming the complete departure of the French army at the time, Deby had stressed that Chad was not breaking off its relationship with France altogether.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

Weeks later, both governments recalled their ambassadors for consultations, a move often interpreted in international relations as preceding the breaking off of bilateral relations.

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2025

The quiet, dreamy, well-behaved Ivy from school was chattering away excitedly to the tall woman, breaking off the words “—and then we learned—” the instant she saw Josie.

From "The School for Whatnots" by Margaret Peterson Haddix