Phrase guide

break free

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To liberate oneself; to free oneself; to become free (from or of something or someone).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • During the storm, the boat broke free from its moorings.
  • To address the climate crisis, we need to break free of our addiction to fossil fuels.
  • 1721, Aaron Hill, The Fatal Extravagance, London: T. Jauncy, [Scene 1], p. 9, [...] I saw his Lady, Wild, with a Storm of Grief! Her Hair dishevel’d! And her loose Robes, blown, careless, by the Wind! Struggling, with weeping Servants, to break free.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Polish: uwalniać się — to gain freedom
  • Polish: uwolnić się — to gain freedom
  • Polish: oswobadzać się — to gain freedom
  • Polish: oswobodzić się — to gain freedom