Definition of "break the internet" in English

Verb

1. To cause a connection to the Internet, or the Internet itself, to malfunction.

2. To overwhelm a web server through organic user-driven demand, such that the server goes offline or is in danger of doing so.

3. To deliberately overwhelm a web server through a cyberattack such as a DDOS, such that the server goes offline or is in danger of doing so.

4. To do or say something ostentatious or controversial, such that the behavior causes a dramatic increase in traffic to a website or commentary on social media; to go viral.