break off

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Should we leave NATO? Should we close American bases? Should we break off trade relations? Should we storm McDonald’s?”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

When ovarian cancer develops, cancer cells break off from the tumor.

From Science Daily • Feb. 9, 2026

As the trees break off or fall, the downed logs become food and cover for earthbound species and eventually decay into nutrients in the soil.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 28, 2025

The pair were then pictured together in Central Park in New York in December 2010, in a meeting that Andrew later told the BBC was to break off their friendship.

From BBC • Nov. 1, 2025

Some of the smaller children rushed to break off elephant-ear leaves for umbrellas, but most of us simply stayed where we were, receiving the downpour.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver