Breakup
/ˈbreɪkʌp/
nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral
Idiom
Meanings
Question
Definitions
2 meanings1
The act or instance of separating or ending a relationship; a cessation of a romantic relationship.
/ˈbreɪkʌp/
nounnegativeBeginner
General
The end of a romantic relationship.
The breakup left her heartbroken.
💡 Simply: When a couple stops being together.
More Examples
2
He was devastated by the breakup.
How It's Used
Personal Relationships
"Their breakup was messy and involved a lot of drama."
2
To end a relationship, especially a romantic one.
/breɪk ʌp/
verbnegativeBeginner
General
To end a relationship.
They broke up last week.
💡 Simply: To stop being in a relationship.
More Examples
2
I'm thinking of breaking up with him.
How It's Used
Personal Relationships
"They decided to breakup after a year of dating."
Tip:To break the connection.
Idioms & expressions
a messy breakup
A breakup characterized by conflict and negativity.
"Their breakup was incredibly messy, filled with accusations and hurt feelings."
From the verb "break" + "up", reflecting the severance of a relationship.
The usage has remained relatively consistent, primarily focused on romantic relationships.
Memory tip
Think of something breaking apart.
Practice
Base: break
brakeupbreak-up
Usage
80%Spoken
20%Written