Phrasal verb
break up
Meanings
to end a romantic relationship
to stop an event or gathering, or to cause people to leave and separate
to separate into smaller pieces or parts (or to make something do this)
Definition
To break up means to end a romantic relationship.
When two people break up, they decide to stop being in a romantic relationship. It can be mutual or decided by one person. It is also used for ending events, separating into smaller pieces or groups, or losing connection.
Examples
- I think we should break up because we want different things.
- They decided to break up after months of arguing.
- She didn’t want to break up, but she knew it was time.
- The teacher had to break up the noisy group and send everyone back to their seats.
- The signal kept breaking up during my video call on the train.
Common mistake
Learners often say "break with" instead of "break up with" when talking about ending a relationship.
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.