deal-breaker
UK[ˈdiːl ˌbreɪkə]US[ˈdiːl ˌbreɪkər]
n
a factor or issue that causes an agreement or arrangement to fail or be terminated.
n
a person whose actions or demands cause a deal or relationship to end.
Morpheme Breakdown
deal
breaker
deal
agreement
breaker
thing/person that breaks
Etymology
the compound noun 'deal-breaker' is a modern formation from two deeply rooted germanic elements. the first element, 'deal', evolved from the old english concept of a 'portion' or 'share' to its contemporary meaning of a business agreement or arrangement. the second element, 'breaker', employs the agentive suffix '-er' attached to the verb 'break', which originates from the old english 'brecan', meaning to separate into parts violently. when combined in the mid-20th century, the term logically constructs the image of an agent that shatters an agreement. its semantic evolution reflects the conceptualization of negotiations as fragile constructs that can be destroyed by a single, critical condition or action.
Analysis
Structure: deal (agreement) + breaker (thing/person that breaks)
deal: from old english 'dǣl' (portion, share, division), germanic origin. functions as a noun meaning an agreement or transaction.
breaker: from old english 'brecan' (to break), germanic origin, with the agentive suffix '-er'. functions as a noun-forming element indicating a person or thing that performs the action of breaking.
Examples
the lack of a flexible remote work policy was a deal-breaker for the top candidate.
for many buyers, the poor condition of the roof is an absolute deal-breaker.
his refusal to compromise on that single clause proved he was the deal-breaker in the merger talks.