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[break up]
{v.} 1. To break into pieces.
The workmen broke up the pavement to dig up the
pipes under it.
River ice breaks up in the spring.
2. {informal} To lose or
destroy spirit or self-control. - Usually used in the passive.
Mrs. Lawrence
was all broken up after her daughter's death, and did not go out of the house for
two months.
Compare: CRACK UP, GO TO PIECES.
3. To come or to put to an end,
especially by separation; separate.
Some men kept interrupting the speakers,
and finally broke up the meeting.
The party broke up at midnight.
- Often
used in the informal phrase "break it up".
The boys were fighting, and a
passing policeman ordered them to break it up.
Compare: CUT OUT (1).
4.
{informal} To stop being friends.
Mary and Jane were good friends and did
everything together, but then they had a quarrel and broke up.
Compare: BREAK
OFF.
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