Chemicals in the body break our food down into useful substances.
The peace talks are said to have broken down. (喻)据说和谈破裂了。
2)(机器)损坏 Our truck broke down outside town. 我们的卡车在城外抛锚了。
The car broke down halfway to the destination.汽车在到达目的地的中途抛锚了。
3) 失败;破裂 Their opposition broke down.他们的反对意见打消了。
4) 精神崩溃;失去控制 He broke down and wept. 他不禁失声痛哭。
5) 起化学变化 Food is broken down by chemicals. 化学物质引起食物转化。