breakdown
Americannoun
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a breaking down, wearing out, or sudden loss of ability to function efficiently, as of a machine.
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a loss of mental or physical health; collapse.
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an analysis or classification of something; division into parts, categories, processes, etc.
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Chemistry.
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Electricity. an electric discharge passing through faulty insulation or other material used to separate circuits or passing between electrodes in a vacuum or gas-filled tube.
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a noisy, lively folk dance.
Etymology
Origin of breakdown
First recorded in 1825–35; noun use of verb phrase break down
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Iran’s leaders have been preparing for an attack on the regime that could lead to a breakdown of the chain of command.
Full of thunderous strings and Wagnerian vocals, it starts off as an opera song, changes tempo three times, introduces a guest verse from Bjork and ends with an almighty rave breakdown.
From BBC
Tests showed the material steadily decomposed under normal soil conditions, with full breakdown estimated within 13 weeks.
From Science Daily
My dentist said a molar needed to be yanked because of a cellular breakdown called resorption, and a periodontist in his office recommended a bone graft and probably an implant.
From Los Angeles Times
As older units tend to fail more often, repair costs are likely to rise each year, and a major breakdown could hit you with even bigger sticker shock.
From MarketWatch
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
