Breakup
/ˈbreɪkˌʌp/noun
The ending of a romantic relationship or the act of separating into parts.
Did you know?Unlike words with ancient occult roots, breakup is a transparent modern compound of break + up, but it still carries the old Germanic force of breaking something apart into pieces.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
brecan
“to break, shatter, or violate”
Old English
OE
up
“upward, away, to a higher or separated position”
Middle English
English
break up
“to split apart, disperse, or end a gathering”
19th Century
English
break up
“to end a relationship or dissolve a partnership”
Modern English
English
breakup
“the end of a romantic relationship or a separation into parts”