breakdown
UK[ˈbreɪkdaʊn]US[ˈbreɪkdaʊn]
n
A failure of a system, machine, or relationship, often resulting in a stop in function.
n
A detailed explanation or analysis of something into its component parts.
n
A sudden physical or mental collapse.
Morpheme Breakdown
break
down
break
to separate
down
downward direction
Etymology
The word 'breakdown' is a transparent compound formed from two native English elements, 'break' and 'down'. The literal, physical sense of "breaking something down into pieces" is directly inherited from the core meanings of its components. Over time, this concrete logic was extended metaphorically to describe the failure of complex systems (like machinery or negotiations) by conceptualizing them as ceasing to function as a whole. Further abstraction applied the same logic to mental and emotional collapse, as well as to the analytical process of separating a concept into its constituent elements for explanation.
Analysis
Structure: break (to separate) + down (downward direction)
- break: From Old English brecan (to break, shatter, burst), of Proto-Germanic origin. In this compound, it functions as a verb root meaning "to separate into parts."
- down: From Old English dūne (from the hill), a shortened form of of dūne (down from the hill). In this compound, it functions as an adverbial particle emphasizing a direction or a state of completion.
Examples
The car had a complete breakdown on the highway.
The report includes a detailed cost breakdown for the project.
After months of stress, she suffered a nervous breakdown.