The verb BREAK
FoundationThe particle carries the whole meaning. 'Break' contributes only the sense of something giving way.
'Break down' has two senses a paper will happily use in the same question — a machine and a person. The subject tells you which.
| Phrasal verb | Means |
|---|---|
| Break down | Stop functioning; or lose emotional control |
| Break up | End a relationship; or disperse |
| Break in | Enter by force; or interrupt |
| Break into | Force entry into; or suddenly begin |
| Break out | Escape; or begin suddenly, of war or disease |
| Break off | End abruptly, of talks or an engagement |
| Break through | Force a way past an obstacle |
| Break away | Leave a group and become independent |