What is the difference between break up and break down a relationship? Thank you. = Break up refers to separating from a romantic relationship. Break down refers to loosing up all the negative emotions the person has been keeping for a long time. Ex. The mother of my friend break down just now because she knew that her husband was cheating on her for a long time but never told anyone about it. = They totally have different meanings but they can both be associated in a relationship.

break up --> the end of the relationship (the 2 people stop being together) break down a) to cry : Alice broke down after John left her. b) to stop working : John and Alice's relationship broke down after Alice starting seeing another man.