1 B2 informal
To damage or destroy something physically.
"The drunk driver busted up three parked cars before the police stopped him."
separable
bust up
B2 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To damage or destroy something; to end a romantic relationship or friendship, often after a serious argument; to break up a fight or gathering.
In plain English
To break something badly, or to split up with someone after a big argument.
What does "bust up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To end a romantic relationship or friendship, usually after a serious argument.
"They busted up after five years together when she found out he had been lying to her."
3 B2 informal
To stop or break up a fight, gathering, or organisation by force.
"Security guards moved in to bust up the brawl before anyone got seriously hurt."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bust (break) something up (apart).
Actually means
To break something badly, or to split up with someone after a big argument.
Usage tip
Common in British and American informal English. 'A bust-up' (noun) means a serious fight or argument. The relationship sense is especially common in British English. Can also mean physically damaging something badly.
Words that pair with "bust up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
fight couple marriage relationship party car
How to conjugate "bust up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bust up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
busts up
he/she/it
Past simple
busted up
yesterday
Past participle
busted up
have + pp
-ing form
busting up
continuous
Hear "bust up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "bust up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "bust up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.