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briser

to break, to shatter

verb bree-ZEH Less Common

Usage Note

Briser implies breaking into pieces and is more emphatic than casser (to break). It is often used figuratively: briser le silence (to break the silence), briser le coeur (to break someone's heart). The past participle brisé is common as an adjective meaning shattered or broken-hearted.

Examples

"Il a brisé la vitre en tombant."

Natural Translation

He shattered the windowpane when he fell.

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