break down

break down

1. Lit. [for something] to fall apart; [for something] to stop operating. •

The air-conditioning broke down, and we got very warm.

•

The car broke down on the long trip.

2. Fig. [for one] to lose control of one's emotions; [for one] to have an emotional or psychological crisis. •

He couldn't keep going. He finally broke down.

•

I was afraid I'd break down.

3. <

* * *

{v.} (stress on "down") 1. To smash or hit (something) so that it falls; cause to fall by force. * /The firemen broke down the door./ 2. To reduce or destroy the strength or effect of; weaken; win over. * /By helpful kindness the teacher broke down the new boy's shyness./ * /Advertising breaks down a lot of stubbornness against change./ 3. To separate into elements or parts; decay. * /Water is readily broken down into hydrogen and oxygen./ * /After many years, rocks break down into dirt./ 4. To become unusable because of breakage or other failure; lose power to work or go. * /The car broke down after half an hour's driving./ * /His health broke down./ * /When the coach was sick in bed, the training rules of the team broke down./ Compare: GO BACK ON(2).