BROKE DOWN Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "broke down" is most commonly used as a phrasal verb, which literal meaning is the act of something, such as a machine, vehicle, or system, ceasing to function or becoming inoperable due to a malfunction or failure. It refers to a state where a previously operational object suddenly stops working or experiences a significant loss of functionality. This breakdown can manifest in various forms, ranging from a minor glitch or malfunction to a complete and irreparable failure.
Furthermore, "broke down" can also have a metaphorical or figurative meaning, which describes a person's emotional state. In this context, it refers to an individual experiencing a sudden, significant, and often uncontrollable display of emotions, typically resulting from feelings of sadness, distress, frustration, or overwhelm. When someone "breaks down," they may burst into tears, express a sense of hopelessness, or have difficulty managing their emotions.
In summary, "broke down" refers to both the physical malfunction or failure of an object, as well as the emotional collapse of an individual. Whether it pertains to a mechanical failure or an emotional outburst, the phrase denotes a considerable loss of functional capability, either physically or emotionally, rendering the affected object or person in a state of disruption and vulnerability.
Common Misspellings for BROKE DOWN
- brokedown
- broken-down
- brake down
- vroke down
- nroke down
- hroke down
- groke down
- beoke down
- bdoke down
- bfoke down
- btoke down
- b5oke down
- b4oke down
- brkke down
- brlke down
- brpke down
- br0ke down
- br9ke down
- broje down
- brome down
Etymology of BROKE DOWN
The word "broke down" is a phrase rather than a single word, and its etymology can be traced back to Old English.
The word "broke" originated from the Old English verb "brecan", meaning "to break", which can be further traced to the Proto-Germanic word "brekaną". This root word ultimately comes from the Proto-Indo-European base *bhreg-, which means "to break" or "shatter".
The word "down" derives from the Old English adverb/adjective "dūne", meaning "from a higher to a lower place". It can be related to the Old Norse word "dūnn", which has a similar meaning. Both of these words have Proto-Germanic origins.
