5 Uses of the Phrasal Verb "Break Down" Jill In Brazil Did you know that there are 5 meanings of the Phrasal Verb "Break Down"? 1) Emotional Breakdown... you know when you walk into your house and your girlfriend is crying and she cant tell you why. Dont worry it is just a temporary breakdown, a quick cry and we are good. :) 2) Break something down. Have you ever had a large box that is in the way? The act of taking it apart to make it flat is breaking it down. 3) Has your car ever broke down on the side of the road? Stopped working? My car broke down. 4) If someone has ever been committed to a mental hospital, they had a mental breakdown. And Finally... 5) Have you ever been to an office party where someone maybe drank a little too much too early? They might get in the mood for dancing and when this happens they are "Breaking it down" or Breaking down on the dance floor. Have a great day!