break into

verb

1. express or utter spontaneously (Freq. 4)

-

break into a yodel

-

break into a song

-

break into tears

• Hypernyms: ↑utter, ↑emit, ↑let out, ↑let loose

• Verb Frames:

-

Somebody ——s something

-

Something ——s something

2. change pace (Freq. 2)

-

The dancers broke into a cha-cha

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The horse broke into a gallop

• Hypernyms: ↑change

• Verb Frames:

-

Something is ——ing PP

-

Somebody ——s PP

* * *

1) enter or open a (place, vehicle, or container) forcibly, typically for the purposes of theft

four men broke into the house | a friend of mine had his car broken into

■ succeed in winning a share of (a market or a position in a profession)

Japanese companies failed to break into the U.S. personal-computer market

■ interrupt (a conversation)

2) (of a person) suddenly or unexpectedly burst forth into (laughter or song)

■ (of a person's face or mouth) relax into (a smile)

3) change one's pace to (a faster one)

Greg broke into a sprint

* * *

break into [phrasal verb]

break into (something)

1 : to enter (a house, building, etc.) illegally and especially by using force

Someone tried to break into our house while we were away.

— see also

BREAK IN 1 (ABOVE)

2 : to begin to do or have (something) suddenly

She broke into tears. [=she suddenly began to cry]

The audience broke into applause. [=the audience suddenly began applauding]

His face broke into a smile. [=he suddenly smiled]

The horse broke into a gallop. [=the horse suddenly began to gallop]

She broke into song. [=she suddenly began to sing]

3 : to enter or get started in (something, such as a profession)

I knew her when she was a young actress trying to break into show business.

4 : to interrupt (something)

The network broke into the program with a special news report.

— see also

BREAK IN 2 (ABOVE)

• • •

Main Entry: ↑break