First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
broken
adjective bro·ken \ˈbrō-kən\
: separated into parts or pieces by being hit, damaged, etc.
: not working properly
: not kept or honored
Full Definition of BROKEN
1
: violently separated into parts : shattered
2
: damaged or altered by breaking: as a : having undergone or been subjected to fracture <a broken leg> b of land surfaces : being irregular, interrupted, or full of obstacles c : violated by transgression <a broken promise> d : discontinuous, interrupted e : disrupted by change f of a tulip flower : having an irregular, streaked, or blotched pattern especially from virus infection
3
4
a : cut off : disconnected b : imperfectly spoken or written <broken English>
5
: not complete or full <a broken bale of hay>
6
: disunited by divorce, separation, or desertion of one parent <children from broken homes> <a broken family>
— bro·ken·ly adverb
— bro·ken·ness \-kə(n)-nəs\ noun
See broken defined for English-language learners
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Origin of BROKEN
Middle English, from Old English brocen, from past participle of brecan to break
BROKEN Defined for Kids
1broken
Definition of BROKEN for Kids
past participle of Break
2broken
adjective bro·ken \ˈbrō-kən\
Definition of BROKEN for Kids
1
: separated into parts or pieces <broken glass> <a broken bone>
2
: not working properly <a broken camera>
3
: having gaps or breaks <a broken line>
4
: not kept or followed <a broken promise>
5
: imperfectly spoken <broken English>
Medical Dictionary
broken
adjective bro·ken \ˈbrō-kən\
Medical Definition of BROKEN
: having undergone or been subjected to fracture <a broken leg>
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