#1 break up v. to cause to separate and go in different directions; "She waved her hand and scattered the crowds". wn #2 break up v. discontinue an association or relation; go different ways; "The business partners broke over a tax question"; "The couple separated after 25 years of marriage"; "My friend and I split up". wn #3 break up v. come apart; "the group broke up". wn #4 break up v. break violently or noisily; smash;. wn #5 break up v. make a break in; "We interrupt the program for the following messages". wn