breakaway

[breyk-uh-wey] /ˈbreɪk əˌweɪ/
noun
1.
an act or instance of breaking away; secession; separation:
the breakaway of two provinces from a state.
2.
a departure or break from routine or tradition:
a three-day breakaway in the Bahamas.
3.
a person or thing that breaks away.
4.
an object, as a theatrical prop, constructed so that it breaks or falls apart easily, especially upon impact.
5.
Ice Hockey. a sudden rush down the ice by a player or players in an attempt to score a goal, after breaking clear of defending opponents.
6.
Football. a run by an offensive player breaking through the defense for a long gain.
7.
Basketball. fast break.
8.
Australian.
  1. a stampede.
  2. an animal that breaks away from the herd or flock.
adjective
9.
of, pertaining to, or being that which separates or secedes:
the breakaway faction of the Socialist party.
10.
departing from routine or tradition.
11.
constructed of such lightweight material or in such a way as to shatter or come apart easily:
breakaway highway signposts; Build a breakaway set for the barroom brawl.
12.
(of theatrical costumes) constructed so as to be quickly removable, as by a performer playing several roles.
Origin
1885-95; noun, adj. use of verb phrase break away
Examples from the web for breakaway
  • Gore is a breakaway threat who is also a tough inside runner, often knocking back would-be tacklers on his way to the end zone.
  • Throwing the ball off the backboard for a dunk on a breakaway is nothing new.
  • Cynics note that the muddled customs regime in the breakaway region is lucrative for outsiders and insiders alike.
  • breakaway devices are designed and constructed to break or yield when struck by a vehicle.
  • Even though hitch component failure is rare, the breakaway switch and the safety chains must be in good working order.
  • For systems that will be wired in ground for power, all electrical wiring connectors must be breakaway.
  • Our acceptance is limited to the breakaway characteristics of the bases and does not cover their structural features.
  • Crashworthy luminaire supports are designed to breakaway or yield when struck by a vehicle.
British Dictionary definitions for breakaway

breakaway

/ˈbreɪkəˌweɪ/
noun
1.
  1. loss or withdrawal of a group of members from an association, club, etc
  2. (as modifier): a breakaway faction
2.
(sport)
  1. a sudden attack, esp from a defensive position, in football, hockey, etc
  2. an attempt to get away from the rest of the field in a race
3.
(Austral) a stampede of cattle, esp at the smell of water
verb (intransitive, adverb)
4.
(often foll by from) to leave hastily or escape
5.
to withdraw or secede
6.
(sport) to make a breakaway
7.
(horse racing) to start prematurely
Word Origin and History for breakaway

1906 (n.), in reference to sports; 1930s (adj.) in reference to splinter groups; from break (v.) + away (adv.).

Slang definitions & phrases for breakaway

breakaway

adjective

Unconventional; rebellious: a breakaway rock group/ breakaway mind-set (1930s+)

modifier

Made to break or collapse easily: bashed with a breakaway chair (1950s+ Theater)