bust-up

[ buhst-uhp ]

noun

, Informal.

1. a separation or dissolution, as of a marriage or a close friendship.
2. a large party, especially a noisy one.
3. Chiefly British. a quarrel; disturbance; punch-up.

bust-up

noun

1. a quarrel, esp a serious one ending a friendship, etc
2. a disturbance or brawl

verb

1. intr to quarrel and part
2. tr to disrupt (a meeting), esp violently

Word History and Origins

Origin of bust-up¹

First recorded in 1840–50; noun use of verb phrase bust up

Example Sentences

Biden can bust up the media monopolies and thus fix the biggest communication problem facing our country — he can fix the press.

From Salon

Owen added: "I was expecting that we would have a massive bust up, but it didn't happen."

From BBC

But even as Biden continues to speak about busting up monopolies, not once has he indicated the need to do so when it comes to newspapers, television, radio or social media.

From Salon

“I was too busted up to come earlier. That’s my childhood there, burning up in flames.”

From Los Angeles Times

Both of them paused, looked at each and then busted up laughing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• burst
• crack
• crash
• crush
• damage
• fracture
• separate
• sever
• shatter
• smash
• snap
• split
• tear