n. & v.
--n.
1. the act or an instance of breaking; a breach.
2 a breach of harmonious relations; a disagreement and parting.
3 Med. an abdominal hernia.
--v.
1. tr. break or burst (a cell or membrane etc.).
2 tr. sever (a connection).
3 intr. undergo a rupture.
4 tr. & intr. affect with or suffer a hernia.
Derivatives:
rupturable adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF rupture or L ruptura f. rumpere rupt- break