break down

About 5.83 uses per million words.

Meaning

verb To stop functioning.
I am afraid my computer will break down if I try to run it at too high a speed.
verb To unexpectedly collapse, physically or in structure.
verb To intentionally demolish; to pull down.
verb To fail, especially socially or for political reasons.
Talks broke down between Prime Minister John Doe and the opposition party.
verb To give in or give up: relent, concede, surrender.
Is it worth taking it to a repair shop, or should I just break down and buy a new one?
verb To render or to become unstable due to stress, to collapse physically or mentally.
She is back to work now, after she broke down the other day.
verb To render or to become weak and ineffective.
His authority and influence over his coordinates broke down gradually.
verb To (cause to) decay, to decompose.
Leaves and grass will break down into compost faster if you keep them moist.