Phrasal verb
break out of
Meanings
to escape from a place where you are being kept or from somewhere difficult to leave
to stop being controlled by a habit, routine, or limiting situation and start doing something different
to suddenly begin doing something uncontrollably (such as laughter or sweat)
Definition
To break out of means to escape from a place or situation you are trapped in.
To break out of usually means to escape from a place where someone or something is confined, such as a prison, cage, or building. It can also mean to change your habits by leaving a limiting pattern or routine. In a third common meaning, it means to suddenly start doing something in an uncontrolled way, like laughter or sweating.
Examples
- The prisoner managed to break out of the cell during the blackout.
- I’m trying to break out of my old routine by taking evening classes.
- She broke out of the meeting early to catch her train.
- They broke out of laughter when the toddler made a funny face.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse break out of (escape from) with break out (suddenly start, like a fire or war) and add or omit of incorrectly.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.