ab|brechen
Translation
to cancel, to break off, to abort, to demolish
Examples
Er hat einen Ast vom Baum abgebrochen.
He broke a branch off the tree.
Wir müssen das Konzert leider abbrechen.
Unfortunately, we have to cancel the concert.
Sie hat ihr Studium abgebrochen.
She dropped out of her studies.
Das alte Haus wird nächste Woche abgebrochen.
The old house will be demolished next week.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to cancel, break off (sth.) We are aborting the experiment.
((sth.)) ((from sth.)) to break (sth.) off (from sth.) He breaks a branch off the tree.
Similar Words
Synonyms: unterbrechen, beenden, stornieren; Antonyms: fortsetzen, beginnen
Etymology
From the prefix 'ab-' (off, away) and the verb 'brechen' (to break). The literal meaning is 'to break off'.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'breaking off' a meeting just like you 'break off' a piece of chocolate. The prefix 'ab-' signifies separation or cessation.