BREAKDOWN Meaning and
Definition
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A breakdown is a noun that refers to the act or process of a complex system, vehicle, or machinery ceasing to function or operate as intended. It denotes a loss of efficiency, effectiveness, or the ability to perform its designated tasks. This term also encompasses the state or condition of being inoperative, defective, or non-functional. Additionally, a breakdown can describe the decomposition or disintegration of something, whether it be physical, mental, or emotional.
In a mechanical or technological context, a breakdown occurs when a machine or device experiences a failure, malfunction, or disruption in its normal operation due to a variety of reasons such as wear and tear, damage, technical issues, or lack of maintenance. This halt in functionality often necessitates repair or replacement in order to restore the equipment to its proper working condition.
Beyond mechanisms, a breakdown can represent a collapse or disintegration on an abstract level. This could pertain to the deterioration of communication, relationships, or societal structures, leading to a state of disarray or disorganization. Furthermore, a breakdown can refer to an emotional or mental collapse, where an individual experiences a sudden loss of control, sanity, or stability.
Overall, a breakdown encompasses the cessation, malfunction, decomposition, or disintegration of a system, machinery, or individual. Its wide-ranging usage allows it to describe the failure and disruption in both physical and abstract aspects of life.
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In the horse, rupture of the suspensory ligament in consequence of which the fetlock falls, the toe pointing upward and the sole looking forward.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Top Common Misspellings for BREAKDOWN *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for BREAKDOWN
Etymology of BREAKDOWN
The word "breakdown" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "break" and "down".
The term "break" can be traced back to Old English (brecan) and Middle English (breken), both of which mean "to separate into parts" or "to fracture". It is also connected to the Proto-Germanic word *brekaną.
The word "down" is rooted in Old English (dūn), which refers to a lower slope or a hill. It comes from the Proto-Germanic word *dūną, meaning "hill".
When these two words are combined, "breakdown" refers to the process of something being separated or fractured into smaller parts or pieces, often losing its original form or function. It can also convey the concept of something ceasing to work correctly or efficiently.
Idioms with the word BREAKDOWN
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(nervous) breakdown
A nervous breakdown refers to a state of severe mental or emotional distress, often characterized by an individual's inability to function normally or cope with everyday life. It is often used to describe a sudden and overwhelming collapse or deterioration in one's mental or emotional stability, resulting in an individual experiencing extreme anxiety, depression, or other psychological symptoms.
Similar spelling words for BREAKDOWN
- break down,
- break dance,
- bracket,
- braced,
- break-dance,
- brush down,
- breakstone,
- break with,
- bragdon,
- breakwater,
- break water.
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