Break down

verb

Word Frequency: 5.8

Definitions

1.verbTo fail, to cease to function.

"I am afraid my computer will break down if I try to run it at too high a speed."

2.verbTo render or to become unstable due to stress, to collapse physically or mentally.

"She is back to work now, after she broke down the other day."

3.verbTo render or to become weak and ineffective.

"His authority and influence over his coordinates broke down gradually."

4.verbTo (cause to) decay, to decompose.

"Leaves and grass will break down into compost faster if you keep them moist."

5.verbTo divide into parts to give more details, to provide a more indepth analysis of.

"If you don't understand, ask him to break down the numbers for you."

6.verbTo digest.

"His stomach took a while to break down his food."

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