break down

verb

1. make ineffective

   verb.competition

   Examples

   Martin Luther King tried to break down racial discrimination.

   Synonyms crush

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. make a mathematical, chemical, or grammatical analysis of; break down into components or essential features

   verb.cognition

   Synonyms analyse analyze dissect take apart

   Antonyms synthesise synthesize

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. lose control of one's emotions

   verb.emotion

   Synonyms lose it snap

   Source: WordNet 3.0

4. stop operating or functioning

   verb.change

   Synonyms break conk out die fail give out give way go go bad

   Source: WordNet 3.0

5. fall apart

   verb.motion

   Synonyms collapse crumble crumple tumble

   Source: WordNet 3.0

6. cause to fall or collapse

   verb.contact

   Source: WordNet 3.0

7. separate (substances) into constituent elements or parts

   verb.change

   Synonyms break up decompose

   Source: WordNet 3.0

8. collapse due to fatigue, an illness, or a sudden attack

   verb.body

   Synonyms collapse

   Source: WordNet 3.0