Function: intransitive verb
Date: 14th century
1 : to stop abruptly < break off in the middle of a sentence>
2 : to become detached <branches that broke off in the storm>
3 : to end a relationship < broke off with his business partner>
transitive verb
1 : DISCONTINUE < break off diplomatic relations>
2 : to remove by or as if by breaking < broke off a chunk of bread>