The ending of romantic relationships between two people; the dissolution of a partnership or group.
From 'break' (Old English 'brecan') combined with 'up' (Old English 'upp'). The specific meaning of ending a romantic relationship became common in the 20th century.
Brain imaging shows that heartbreak from a breakup activates the same pain centers as physical injury—it's not 'just emotional,' it literally hurts in the same way a wound does, which is why the body can take months to fully heal!
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