Definition of "break down" in Anglais

Verb

1. To stop functioning.

   • I am afraid my computer will break down if I try to run it at too high a speed.

2. To unexpectedly collapse, physically or in structure.

3. To intentionally demolish; to pull down.

4. To fail, especially socially or for political reasons.

   • Talks broke down between Prime Minister John Doe and the opposition party.
   • Relations broke down between Greece and Turkey.

5. To give in or give up: relent, concede, surrender.

   • Is it worth taking it to a repair shop, or should I just break down and buy a new one?

6. To render or to become unstable due to stress, to collapse physically or mentally.

   • She is back to work now, after she broke down the other day.

7. To render or to become weak and ineffective.

   • His authority and influence over his coordinates broke down gradually.

8. To (cause to) decay, to decompose.

   • Leaves and grass will break down into compost faster if you keep them moist.

9. To separate into a number of parts.

10. To divide into parts to give more details, to provide a more indepth analysis of.

    • If you don't understand, ask him to break down the numbers for you.

11. To digest.

    • His stomach took a while to break down his food.
    • His food took a while to break down in his stomach.

Noun

1. Misspelling of breakdown.