breakaway

American  

[breyk-uh-wey] / ˈbreɪk əˌweɪ /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

Etymology

Origin of breakaway

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

Example Sentences

A turnover turned into a USC breakaway, which led to another Nebraska three-pointer.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2026

Somaliland is willing to give the United States access to its minerals and military bases, a minister has told AFP, as the breakaway region of Somalia seeks international recognition.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has rejected Israel's recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent nation.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

The company, which was formed in 2021 by a breakaway team of early OpenAI employees, has positioned itself as having a more safety-orientated approach to AI research compared with its rivals.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

I pick out a lime-green breakaway safety cat collar.

From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Related Words

• breakup
• separation