rupture

¹rup·ture

noun \ˈrəp(t)-shər\

Definition of RUPTURE

1

: breach of peace or concord; specifically : open hostility or war between nations

2

a : the tearing apart of a tissue <rupture of the heart muscle> <rupture of an intervertebral disk> b : hernia

3

: a breaking apart or the state of being broken apart

Examples of RUPTURE

1. A rupture in the pipeline resulted in major water damage.
2. a rupture of an artery
3. an infection that could cause rupture of the eardrum
4. The conflict caused a rupture in relations between the former allies.
5. They're trying to heal the rupture in their relationship.

Origin of RUPTURE

Middle English ruptur, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French rupture, from Latin ruptura fracture, from ruptus, past participle of rumpere to break — more at reave

First Known Use: 15th century