Here's a breakdown:
* Old English: The word "brecan" meant "to break, to burst, to crush". It was a strong verb, indicating forceful action.
* Middle English: The word evolved into "breken", and its meaning broadened to include "to interrupt" and "to violate".
* Modern English: The word "break" is a descendant of "breken" and has retained its diverse meanings. It can refer to physical breakage, interruption, violation, and even a pause or respite.
The origin of the word "break" is connected to the idea of shattering, separating, or disrupting something. This underlying meaning is present in all the different uses of the word today.
Here are some examples of the various meanings of "break":
* Physical break: The glass broke.
* Interrupt: The meeting was broken by a phone call.
* Violation: They broke the law.
* Pause: Let's take a break.
The word "break" is a common word with a rich history and multiple meanings, making it a versatile and important part of the English language.