1.
to escape suddenly from sb who is holding you or keeping you prisoner :
The prisoner broke away from his guards.
2.
to leave a political party, state, etc., especially to form a new one :
The people of the province wished to break away and form a new state.
—related noun breakaway
3.
to move away from a crowd or group, especially in a race :
She broke away from the pack and opened up a two-second lead.