break something up

Từ điển Oxford Advanced Learner 8th

ˌbreak sthˈup derived
1. to make sth separate into smaller pieces; to divide sth into smaller parts
• The ship was broken up for scrap metal.
• Sentences can be broken up into clauses.
2. to end a relationship, a company, etc
•They decided to break up the partnership.
related noun ↑break-up
3. to make people leave sth or stop doing sth, especially by using force
•Police were called in to break up the fight.
Main entry: ↑break_derived