break off

verb

1. to sever or detach or be severed or detached

   he broke a piece off the bar of chocolate

   it broke off in my hands

2. adverb to end (a relationship, association, etc) or (of a relationship, etc) to be ended
3. intr, adverb to stop abruptly; halt

   he broke off in the middle of his speech

noun

1. the act or an instance of breaking off or stopping

Example Sentences

Throughout the years, vandals have occasionally broken off parts of the left hand, toes and a sphere that the figure originally held.

From Los Angeles Times

He told The Times he “was able to break off and escape inside the gas station.”

From Los Angeles Times

We are not trying to break off the mold intentionally.

From Salon

Lizza, who broke off his engagement with Nuzzi and announced that he would no longer cover stories related to Kennedy for Politico, denied the allegations on Tuesday.

From Salon

Pogacar finished in six hours, 27 minutes and 30 seconds - 34 seconds clear of Australia's Ben O'Connor, who broke off the front of the chasing pack to claim silver.

From BBC

Related Words

• cease
• discontinue
• halt
• suspend
• terminate