BREAK SHORT Meaning and
Definition
-
Break short: (verb phrase)
Definition:
To abruptly cease or end a particular action, process, event, or state before its expected or intended completion. It usually implies an unexpected, premature interruption or termination. "Break short" is commonly used to describe the sudden and unforeseen discontinuation of an activity or occurrence.
Example:
The power outage broke short our discussion, forcing us to reschedule the meeting for tomorrow.
The movie was quite captivating, but it abruptly broke short due to a technical glitch.
The hiker's journey was cut short when she twisted her ankle and had to be evacuated by helicopter.
The football match had to break short due to heavy rainfall, leaving both teams disappointed.
Often confused usage:
The phrase "break short" is sometimes confused with "break off." While both phrases indicate an abrupt cessation, "break short" typically emphasizes an interruption before completion, whereas "break off" emphasizes the intentional or voluntary act of ending something midway without further continuation.
Synonyms:
Discontinue, halt, end abruptly, finish prematurely, cease unexpectedly
Antonyms:
Continue, keep going, proceed, carry on
Common Misspellings for BREAK SHORT
- vreak short
- nreak short
- hreak short
- greak short
- beeak short
- bdeak short
- bfeak short
- bteak short
- b5eak short
- b4eak short
- brwak short
- brsak short
- brdak short
- brrak short
- br4ak short
- br3ak short
- brezk short
- bresk short
- brewk short
Etymology of BREAK SHORT
The phrase "break short" does not have a specific etymology, as it is simply a combination of the words "break" and "short". However, the etymology of the individual words can provide some insight.
The verb "break" comes from Old English "brecan" which means "to separate into parts by force" or "to fracture". It has Germanic origins and is closely related to other Germanic languages such as German "brechen" and Dutch "breken".
The adjective "short" comes from Old English "sceort" which means "not long" or "having little length". It also has Germanic roots and is related to Old High German "scurz" and Old Norse "skortr".
When used together in the phrase "break short", it typically means to abruptly stop or end something prematurely, often suggesting a sudden interruption or cessation.
Similar spelling words for BREAK SHORT
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
