| Phrasal verb | Main meaning |
|---|---|
break away [ˌbreɪk əˈweɪ] | to escape or leave suddenly |
Other meanings
- to become independent or separate from a group
- to stop following old ideas or traditions
- to move quickly ahead of others (e.g., in sports)
Example Sentences Using the Phrasal Verb "break away"
- The horse managed to break away from the stable.
- She wanted to break away from her controlling family.
- The cyclist tried to break away from the group.
- They decided to break away from old traditions.
Features of Using "break away"
Break away emphasizes separation, escape, or gaining independence. It is commonly used with "from" to indicate the source one is leaving (break away from something).
In sports, it describes moving ahead of competitors. In social or cultural contexts, it suggests rejecting control or traditions.
The phrasal verb is usually intransitive and inseparable, and the nuance depends on context: physical escape, emotional freedom, or progress.
Other phrasal verbs with the verb break
break down
stop functioning
break up
end a romantic relationship
break in
to enter a building illegally
break apart
to fall into separate pieces
break out
to start suddenly (fire, war, disease)
break into
enter a place by force
break through
force a way past a barrier or obstacle
🔗 Learn more about the irregular verb break, including its forms and usage.