breaks, broke, broken, breaking
to break up
phrasal verbE
Cause a gathering or event to end
- 1The meeting was broken up by the fire alarm.
- 2The party was broken up by the neighbors' complaints.
When a meeting, party, or group activity finishes and people leave, we say it is finished or people go home. For example, when a class is over and students leave the room, the class is finished and everyone goes their own way.
At the end of a wedding, someone might say, "It's time to break up the party," meaning it's time for everyone to leave and the celebration is over.
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at the animal care center
Unexpected Closure
Deborah
I heard they had to break up the meeting early today.
Dorothy
Yes, there was an emergency with one of the animals.
Deborah
That makes sense, they always prioritize the animals' needs.
Dorothy
Absolutely, it's important to handle such situations promptly.
in a classroom
Ending the Meeting
Ashley
The teacher decided to break up the meeting early today.
Ronald
Oh, really? I thought it would last longer.
Ashley
Yeah, but everyone seemed tired, so it was a good decision.
Ronald
I agree, it was getting a bit too long.
at the park
Ending the Game
Lisa
It's getting late, and the kids are tired.
Karen
Yeah, I think it's time to break up the game.
Lisa
Good idea, let's gather everyone.
Karen
I'll help you round them up.
in a mall
Closing Time at the Mall
Margaret
Looks like they're starting to break up the crowd here.
Daniel
Yeah, the mall is closing soon.
Margaret
We should probably head out before it gets too crowded at the exits.
Daniel
Good idea, let's go.
at the library
Closing Time
Brian
It's getting late, and we need to break up the study group.
Elizabeth
Yeah, it's almost closing time.
Brian
Let's pack up our things and head out.
Elizabeth
Good idea, we can continue tomorrow.
during a fitness class
Sudden End to the Session
Mark
Looks like the instructor is about to break up the class early today.
Daniel
Really? I thought we had another 15 minutes.
Mark
Yeah, but there's some maintenance work scheduled.
Daniel
Ah, that explains why we're finishing up now.
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Similar to "to break up":
- 1end
- 2disband
to break up meanings: