French word

rompre

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁɔ̃pʁ/

Meaning

  • verbbreak

Example

Il a rompu sa promesse.

He broke his promise.

Illustration for rompre (break)

More examples

Après la dispute, elle a rompu avec lui.

After the argument, she broke up with him.

Core concept

A promise, rule, relationship, or sequence is cut off so that it no longer holds or continues.

Common phrases

  • rompre une promesse

    break a promise

  • rompre avec quelqu'un

    break up with someone

  • rompre le silence

    break the silence

Similar words

quitter: Leave a person or place, ending the relationship or shared living arrangement.
annuler: Cancel a plan or decision, making it no longer valid.
casser: Break an object, destroying its shape or connection.
interrompre: Temporarily stop a process or conversation.

Definition in French

Cesser ou violer un engagement, une règle ou une promesse, ou mettre fin à une relation ou à une suite d'événements.

Word origin

Rompre is inherited from Latin rumpere through Old French, while English rupture preserves the same Latin root in a later borrowing.

Usage tips

  • Rompre takes a direct object in rompre sa promesse, but rompre avec quelqu'un uses avec for ending a relationship with someone.

Other meanings

  • break upverb
  • break offverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word