break down

/ˈbrāk-ˌdau̇n/

noun

  1. the action or result of breaking down: such as

  2. a failure to function

  3. failure to progress or have effect : disintegration

preventing a breakdown of the health care system

verb

  1. to cause to fall or collapse by breaking or shattering

  2. to make ineffective

  3. to divide into parts or categories

break down legal barriers

analyze dissect break down mean to divide a complex whole into its parts or elements. analyze suggests separating or distinguishing the component parts of something (such as a substance, a process, a situation) so as to discover its true nature or inner relationships. dissect suggests a searching analysis by laying bare parts or pieces for individual scrutiny.

idiom

  1. to separate (something) into (simpler substances)

  2. to become separated into simpler substances

  3. to divide (something) into (parts or groups)

Water can be broken down into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis.