break

noun

1. 1

   an escape from jail

   the breakout was carefully planned

2. 2

   any frame in which a bowler fails to make a strike or spare

   the break in the eighth frame cost him the match

3. 3

   a sudden dash

   he made a break for the open door

4. 4

   the act of breaking something

   the breakage was unavoidable

5. 5

   an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity

   it was presented without commercial breaks

   there was a gap in his account

6. 6

   (tennis) a score consisting of winning a game when your opponent was serving

   he was up two breaks in the second set

7. 7

   the opening shot that scatters the balls in billiards or pool

8. 8

   a pause from doing something (as work)

   we took a 10-minute break

   he took time out to recuperate

9. 9

   an abrupt change in the tone or register of the voice (as at puberty or due to emotion)

   then there was a break in her voice

10. 10

    a personal or social separation (as between opposing factions)

    they hoped to avoid a break in relations

11. 11

    an unexpected piece of good luck

    he finally got his big break

12. 12

    the occurrence of breaking

    the break in the dam threatened the valley