Broken through is a phrase that is often used to describe a situation where an obstacle has been overcome or a barrier has been breached. It is a term that is commonly used in a variety of contexts, from sports to business to personal development. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of broken through, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Broken through refers to the act of overcoming an obstacle or barrier. It can also refer to the state of having successfully overcome such an obstacle or barrier. The phrase can be used to describe a variety of situations, from breaking through a physical barrier like a wall or a door to breaking through a mental or emotional barrier like fear or self-doubt.
Origin
The origin of the phrase broken through is unclear, but it is likely that it has been in use for centuries. The phrase is a combination of the words broken and through, both of which have Old English origins. Broken comes from the Old English word brocen, which means “to break into pieces,” while through comes from the Old English word thurh, which means “through, across.”
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of broken through is consistent across different dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “to force a way through (a barrier or obstruction).” Merriam-Webster defines it as “to pass through a barrier or obstacle by force or effort.” Collins Dictionary defines it as “to overcome a barrier or obstacle.”
Associations
Broken through is often associated with achievement, success, and perseverance. It is a term that is commonly used in sports to describe a player who has broken through the defense of the opposing team to score a goal or make a play. It is also used in business to describe a company that has broken through a market barrier to become successful. In personal development, it is used to describe the process of overcoming fears and self-doubt to achieve personal goals.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for broken through, including overcome, conquer, surpass, and prevail. These words all convey the idea of overcoming obstacles or barriers.
Antonyms
The antonyms of broken through include succumb, yield, and give up. These words convey the idea of being defeated by obstacles or barriers.
The same root words
The same root words as broken through include break, breakthrough, and broke. These words all relate to the idea of overcoming obstacles or barriers.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the phrase broken through:
- After months of hard work, the company finally broke through the market barrier and became successful.
- The runner broke through the pack of competitors and sprinted to the finish line.
- With the help of therapy, she was able to break through her fear of public speaking.
- The team’s defense was impenetrable, but the opposing player managed to break through and score a goal.
- Despite the challenges, she was determined to break through and achieve her goals.