Meaning
To stop functioning; or to analyze something in detail.
Example Sentence
"My car broke down on the highway. / Let's break down the problem into smaller parts."
Synonyms
fail
stop working
analyze
decompose
Usage Note
This phrasal verb is separable. When using a noun object, it can go between the verb and particle or after the particle. When using a pronoun object, it must go between the verb and particle (e.g., "turn it off" not "turn off it").