break away Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. verb move away or escape suddenly
   break; break out.
   
   • The horses broke from the stable
   • Three inmates broke jail
   • Nobody can break out--this prison is high security
2. verb break off (a piece from a whole)
   chip; chip off; break off; come off.
   
   • Her tooth chipped
3. verb interrupt a continued activity
   break.
   
   • She had broken with the traditional patterns
4. verb withdraw from an organization or communion
   splinter; secede.
   
   • After the break up of the Soviet Union, many republics broke away
5. verb flee; take to one's heels; cut and run
   lam; run; head for the hills; hightail it; bunk; run away; take to the woods; scarper; escape; fly the coop; scat; turn tail.
   
   • If you see this man, run!
   • The burglars escaped before the police showed up

WordNet