break off

English

verb
Definitions
  • To end abruptly, either temporarily or permanently.
  • To remove a piece from a whole by breaking or snapping
  • (billiards) (alternative form of) break-off

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English breke of (break off, terminate), ofbreken affix from English break (break, game won against the server) + English off (first element of noun).

Origin

English

off

Gloss

first element of noun

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms