break down

Word Type: Phrasal Verb

Definition

  • If a machine or vehicle breaks down, it stops working.
  • to become very upset.

Break down Something (divide)

  • to divide something into smaller parts

Example

  • “Let me break down the process into simpler steps for you.”
  • “The car broke down on the way to the beach.”
  • “She started to break down when she heard the news about her friend.”
  • “The teacher will break down the complex topic into manageable parts for the class.”
  • “After hours of negotiations, the discussions broke down without a resolution.”