break down He broke down and wept when he heard the news (lose control of one's feelings) The telephone system has broke down (cease to function) Negotiations between the two sides have broken down fail to have any results• break down • He broke down and wept when he heard the news. (lose control of one’s feelings) • The telephone system has broke down. (cease to function) • Negotiations between the two sides have broken down. （fail to have any results）