end a romantic relationship
After dating for two years, they decided to break up.
break up — 3 meanings
Same words, different jobs. Compare the meanings side by side so you know which one fits the situation.
phrasal verb3 meanings
break upsame phrase
Which one do you mean?
separate into smaller pieces
She broke up the chocolate bar and shared it with her friends.
disrupt a gathering
The police were called in to break up the demonstration before it turned violent.
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Meanings in detail
1. end a romantic relationship
B1neutralspoken
When two people break up, they end their romantic relationship.
After dating for two years, they decided to break up.
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Sign in to unlock2. separate into smaller pieces
B1neutralspoken
To divide something into smaller parts or pieces.
She broke up the chocolate bar and shared it with her friends.
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Sign in to unlock3. disrupt a gathering
C1neutralboth
To cause a group of people who have gathered together, especially for a meeting, protest, or other event, to disperse or stop their activity, often by force or official order.
The police were called in to break up the demonstration before it turned violent.
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