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Antonyms for breaks

Grammar : Noun, verb
Spell : breyk
Phonetic Transcription : breɪk


Definition of breaks

Origin :
  • Old English brecan "to break, shatter, burst; injure, violate, destroy, curtail; break into, rush into; burst forth, spring out; subdue, tame" (class IV strong verb; past tense bræc, past participle brocen), from Proto-Germanic *brekan (cf. Old Frisian breka, Dutch breken, Old High German brehhan, German brechen, Gothic brikan), from PIE root *bhreg- "to break" (see fraction). Most modern senses were in Old English. In reference to the heart from early 13c. Meaning "to disclose" is from early 13c.
  • Break bread "share food" (with) is from late 14c. Break the ice is c.1600, in reference to the "coldness" of encounters of strangers. Break wind first attested 1550s. To break (something) out (1890s) probably is an image from dock work, of freeing cargo before unloading it. Ironic theatrical good luck formula break a leg has parallels in German Hals- und Beinbruch "break your neck and leg," and Italian in bocca al lupo. Evidence of a highly superstitious craft (cf. Macbeth).
  • noun fissure, opening
  • noun interruption of activity
  • noun change from friendly to unfriendly relationship
  • noun lucky happening
  • verb destroy; make whole into pieces
  • verb violate law
  • verb weaken, cause instability
  • verb stop an action
  • verb tell news
  • verb better a performance
  • verb emerge, happen
  • verb run away
  • verb cushion something's effect
Example sentences :
  • They passed over the Blue Ridge where it breaks south into woody hills.
  • Extract from : « The Trail Book » by Mary Austin
  • Barbara breaks in, 'Indeed you have, dear, and a lovely one.
  • Extract from : « Echoes of the War » by J. M. Barrie
  • There is a certain spirit in the world which breaks everything off short.
  • Extract from : « Alarms and Discursions » by G. K. Chesterton
  • The window is securely fastened, your Excellency, unless he breaks the glass.
  • Extract from : « Jennie Baxter, Journalist » by Robert Barr
  • Thrice he breaks water, a white and ghostly apparition from the deep.
  • Extract from : « The Forest » by Stewart Edward White
  • The primary—ah, booster, as you say, breaks free at twelve miles.
  • Extract from : « The Big Tomorrow » by Paul Lohrman
  • Up to now, Burroughs has had all the breaks as to book publication.
  • Extract from : « Astounding Stories of Super-Science, November, 1930 » by Various
  • Oh, very; so is a Dresden china shepherd, but if you let him fall he breaks.
  • Extract from : « The First Violin » by Jessie Fothergill
  • When the Bovista ripens it breaks from its moorings and is blown about by the wind.
  • Extract from : « The Mushroom, Edible and Otherwise » by M. E. Hard
  • Yes, I said; but if this definition of justice also breaks down, what other can be offered?
  • Extract from : « The Republic » by Plato

Synonyms for breaks

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019