BREAK DOWN – Phrasal Verb
What is the Meaning of BREAK DOWN
break down
something mechanical, such as a machine or a vehicle, stops functioning
Examples:
1. This photocopier is a piece of junk. This is the third time this week it has broken down!
2. Their car broke down on the highway last night, so they had it towed to the garage.
Definition 2:
to lose control of your emotions because you are in extreme pain, anxiety or sorrow
Example:
1. I asked about her father’s health, and she broke down and started crying.
Definition 3:
to decompose
Example:
Don’t put plastic in the recycling bin. It doesn’t break down.
Definition 4:
to stop resisting someone’s persistent efforts
Example:
He has a gambling problem, and he has been begging his mother for money every day to help pay his debts. Finally, yesterday, she broke down and gave him some money.
| present – | BREAK DOWN |
| present participle – | BREAKING DOWN |
| past – | BROKE DOWN |
| past participle | BROKEN DOWN |
