break down (B1)
phrasal verb
Pronunciation: /ˈbreɪk ˌdaʊn/
Definition
To stop functioning or working, especially for a machine or system.
Examples
The washing machine broke down in the middle of a cycle, flooding the laundry room.
Negotiations between the two countries broke down after several days of intense discussions.
Her immune system started to break down, making her vulnerable to infections.
How to Use break down
- break down (machine/system) (collocation)
- A machine or system stops working. — "My computer keeps breaking down."
- break down in tears (idiom)
- To start crying uncontrollably. — "She broke down in tears after the argument."
- break down barriers (collocation)
- To remove obstacles or difficulties between people or groups. — "Art can help to break down cultural barriers."
- break down information (collocation)
- To divide information into smaller, more understandable parts. — "We need to break down this complex data."
Synonyms of break down
Words with a similar meaning to break down:
Antonyms of break down
Words with the opposite meaning to break down:
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