breakup

[ breyk-uhp ]

noun

1. disintegration; disruption; dispersal.
2. the ending of a personal, especially a romantic, relationship.
3. (in Alaska and Canada)
   1. the melting and loosening of ice in rivers and harbors during the early spring.
   2. the first day on which such ice is soft or dispersed enough to permit ships to use the waterways.
4. Informal. an act or instance of being convulsed with laughter.
5. temporary distortion in a televised picture.

Word History and Origins

Origin of breakup¹

First recorded in 1785–95; noun use of verb phrase break up

Example Sentences

The decision comes as regulators are taking a firmer stance with big tech companies worldwide, with the US government considering a breakup of Google.

From BBC

When it comes to grieving, or moving on from a breakup, forgetting can be a part of the healing process.

From Slate

I started riding motorcycles a few years ago because I went through a breakup, and I think I needed a good adrenaline rush.

From Los Angeles Times

Bryan last month confirmed his breakup with LaPaglia, whom he had been dating since July 2023, after screenshots of his profile on the celebrity dating app Raya circulated online.

From Los Angeles Times

“I just wanted to deal with my breakup privately,” she said at the top of Thursday’s podcast episode.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• breakdown
• disintegration
• dissolution
• divorce
• separation
• split
• termination