break away

To leave a group, place, or situation suddenly, often to become independent.

• He broke away from the crowd.
• Several members broke away from the party to form their own group.
• She wanted to break away from her family’s control.

How to use it: break away from someone/something (She broke away from the group and ran home.)

Similar words: leave, escape, split off

Common phrases: break away suddenly, break away from something

To become separate from something you were attached to or part of.

• A branch broke away from the tree.
• The island broke away from the mainland millions of years ago.
• Part of the cliff has broken away after the storm.

How to use it: break away from something (A large piece of ice broke away from the glacier.)

Similar words: detach, separate, come loose

Opposites: attach

Common phrases: break away completely, break away from something

To leave a group suddenly.

• She broke away from the group.
• Some members broke away to start a new club.
• Why did those players break away from the team?

How to use it: break away from a group (Two runners broke away from the group.)

Similar words: leave, split off

Common phrases: break away suddenly, break away from someone