Definitions:

1. to interrupt something before its natural or planned end verb
   • We had to break off the play due to a fire alarm.
2. to prevent completion verb
   • We had to break the construction off due to the storm.
3. to rend or break a small piece off from verb
   • I broke off a corner of the cookie, hoping no one would notice.
4. to separate a piece from a whole verb
   • A smaller group broke off, to flank their opponents.

Synonyms:

• chip
• cut short
• stop