A sudden ending or separation, often referring to a fracture in a relationship, agreement, or physical structure.
From 'break' + 'off' (to separate). Compound word formation that emerged in the 19th century to describe the moment when something separates from a larger whole.
In geology, a 'breakoff' describes when icebergs separate from glaciers—it's measured in megatons of ice. But we use the same word for friendships ending, showing how language maps physical events onto emotional experiences.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.