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break away

B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

to get free and go away from something holding you

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

to get free from someone or something that is holding or controlling you

"The child broke away from his father and ran toward the beach."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

to leave a group, organization, or tradition in order to become independent

"Several members broke away and formed a new party."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

to move ahead of others suddenly in a race or game

"One cyclist broke away from the pack on the final hill."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Common in sports, politics, and general movement. Often followed by 'from'.

Commonly used with

from the group from control from tradition runner horse branch

Forms

Base
break away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
breaks away
he/she/it
Past simple
broke away
yesterday
Past participle
broken away
have + pp
-ing form
breaking away
continuous

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Synonyms

escape get free separate split off pull away

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