breaking down

[ˈbreɪkɪŋ daʊn]

verb (present participle)

decomposição, colapso, análise detalhada

1. The process of something separating into smaller parts or deteriorating

The car is breaking down on the highway.

O carro está enguiçando na rodovia.

2. Analyzing something into its component parts

Breaking down the budget into categories helps with planning.

Decompor o orçamento em categorias ajuda no planejamento.

3. Experiencing an emotional or mental collapse

She was breaking down in tears during the meeting.

Ela estava desabando em lágrimas durante a reunião.

4. Chemical or biological decomposition

The enzyme is breaking down the proteins.

A enzima está decompondo as proteínas.

NYC Slang

breakin' down, fallin' apart

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

quebrando, enguiçando, desabando

Common usage across Brazil

São Paulo

pifando, travando

Often used for mechanical failures

Rio de Janeiro

desabando, se despedaçando

Emphasis on emotional or complete collapse

Portugal

avaria, decomposição, análise

More formal; prefers 'avaria' for mechanical issues

break down and cry

break down barriers

break down the door

break down resistance

break down into tears

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