breakaway

[ breyk-uh-wey ]

noun

1. an act or instance of breaking away; secession; separation:

   the breakaway of two provinces from a state.

2. a departure or break from routine or tradition:

   a three-day breakaway in the Bahamas.

3. a person or thing that breaks away.
4. an object, as a theatrical prop, constructed so that it breaks or falls apart easily, especially upon impact.
5. Ice Hockey. a sudden rush down the ice by a player or players in an attempt to score a goal, after breaking clear of defending opponents.
6. Football. a run by an offensive player breaking through the defense for a long gain.
7. Basketball. fast break.
8. Australian.
   1. a stampede.
   2. an animal that breaks away from the herd or flock.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or being that which separates or secedes:

   the breakaway faction of the Socialist party.

2. departing from routine or tradition.
3. constructed of such lightweight material or in such a way as to shatter or come apart easily:

   breakaway highway signposts; Build a breakaway set for the barroom brawl.

4. (of theatrical costumes) constructed so as to be quickly removable, as by a performer playing several roles.

breakaway

/ ˈbreɪkəˌweɪ /

noun

1. 1. loss or withdrawal of a group of members from an association, club, etc
   2. ( as modifier )

      a breakaway faction

2. sport
   1. a sudden attack, esp from a defensive position, in football, hockey, etc
   2. an attempt to get away from the rest of the field in a race
3. a stampede of cattle, esp at the smell of water

verb

1. often foll by from to leave hastily or escape
2. to withdraw or secede
3. sport to make a breakaway
4. horse racing to start prematurely

Word History and Origins

Origin of breakaway¹

First recorded in 1885–95; noun, adj. use of verb phrase break away

Example Sentences

The leader of Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia is resigning after days of mass protests over a controversial pro-Russia bill.

From BBC

One worry is that Beijing is ramping up militarily to invade Taiwan, which it sees as a breakaway province that will eventually be under its control.

From BBC

Protesters in the breakaway Georgia region of Abkhazia have stormed parliament and the presidential complex after the government planned to approve a controversial pro-Russia bill.

From BBC

He had needed that putt at the LIV Golf Promotions event in Abu Dhabi to retain a place on the lucrative breakaway tour.

From BBC

Moscow is opposed to Moldova joining the EU, and supports Moldova's breakaway region of Transnistria economically, politically and militarily.

From BBC

Related Words

• breakup
• separation