breakneck
UK[ˈbreɪknek]US[ˈbreɪknek]
adj
extremely and often dangerously fast
adj
performed at a very high speed
Morpheme Breakdown
break
neck
break
to separate
neck
body part
Etymology
the compound 'breakneck' is a vivid english formation from the old english elements 'brecan' and 'hnecca'. it originally described a literal danger capable of breaking one's neck. through metaphorical extension, this imagery of extreme physical hazard was applied to any activity performed at a speed so reckless it could result in such a severe injury. the modern sense retains this core logic, using the shocking literal meaning to intensify the abstract quality of dangerous speed.
Analysis
Structure: break (to separate) + neck (body part)
'break' is from old english 'brecan', meaning to separate into parts violently. 'neck' is from old english 'hnecca', referring to the part of the body connecting the head to the shoulders.
Examples
the car sped down the mountain road at a breakneck pace.
the company is growing at a breakneck speed, expanding into new markets every month.
the project was completed on time, but only after a period of breakneck work.