breakaway

Having left a larger group to become separate or independent.

• A breakaway group formed a new party.
• The breakaway republic declared independence.
• Leaders met representatives of several breakaway factions.

Similar words: separatist, splinter

Common phrases: breakaway republic, breakaway group, breakaway faction

Designed to come apart easily without damaging the structure it belongs to.

• The cat wears a breakaway collar.
• The set includes a breakaway wall for the stunt.
• These breakaway fittings release under pressure.

Similar words: detachable

Common phrases: breakaway wall, breakaway collar, breakaway cable

Happening when a player or racer gets clear of the others and moves ahead.

• He scored a breakaway goal.
• The cyclist launched a breakaway attack.
• Their goalkeeper stopped two breakaway chances.

Common phrases: breakaway goal, breakaway attack, breakaway chance

Quickly becoming very popular or successful.

• The album was a breakaway hit.
• Her first novel became a breakaway success.
• The band enjoyed breakaway success after its television appearance.

Similar words: breakout

Common phrases: breakaway hit, breakaway success

An act of separating from a group or organization.

• The breakaway surprised party leaders.
• A breakaway from the club led to a new team.
• They discussed the reasons for the political breakaway.

How to use it: breakaway from something (Their breakaway from the union caused a bitter dispute.)

Similar words: split, separation

Common phrases: a breakaway, breakaway from something, political breakaway

A group of cyclists who have moved ahead of the main group in a race.

• Three riders joined the breakaway.
• The breakaway stayed ahead for twenty kilometres.
• Will the main group catch the breakaway before the finish?

Common phrases: join the breakaway, catch the breakaway, a breakaway group

A sudden rush of frightened animals running away together.

• A cattle breakaway shook the camp.
• The riders struggled to stop the breakaway.
• A sudden breakaway sent the herd racing toward the river.

Similar words: stampede

Common phrases: cattle breakaway, a sudden breakaway

An animal that leaves its herd and runs away.

• One breakaway crossed the river.
• The rider chased a breakaway from the herd.
• Two breakaways were found near the old fence.

Similar words: stray

Common phrases: a breakaway, catch a breakaway