Break down是什麼意思

"Break down" is a phrase that can have several different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here are some common definitions:

1. Physical or Mechanical Failure: When referring to a machine, vehicle, or any physical object, "break down" means to stop functioning properly or to become damaged. For example, "My car broke down on the way to work."

2. Emotional Breakdown: In the context of a person's emotional state, "break down" means to become overwhelmed with emotion to the point of being unable to continue as normal. For instance, "She broke down in tears when she heard the news."

3. Analyze or Explain in Detail: When used in a discussion or an academic context, "break down" can mean to analyze or explain something in detail, often by separating it into its constituent parts. For example, "Can you break down the steps involved in this process?"

4. Disintegrate or Destroy: In a more general sense, "break down" can mean to cause something to fall apart or to destroy it. For instance, "The storm broke down the old barn."

5. Physically Separate into Components: In chemistry or biology, "break down" might refer to the process of breaking a compound into smaller elements or molecules. For example, "The enzyme breaks down the sugar into glucose and fructose."

6. Psychological or Mental Disintegration: In a psychological context, "break down" can refer to a more severe mental collapse or the onset of a mental illness.

7. Transportation or Removal of Large Items: In some regions, "break down" is used colloquially to mean the act of dismantling or removing large items, such as furniture or appliances, from one location to another.

The meaning of "break down" can vary widely depending on the context, so it's important to consider the surrounding words and the situation to determine the correct interpretation.