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to tear; to rip; to break; to destroy
to break through (cordon, opponent's defense, etc.); to breach
to defeat; to beat
to break (e.g. silence); to disturb (e.g. peace); to shatter (e.g. dream); to disrupt; to spoil
to violate (e.g. rule); to break (e.g. promise); to infringe
to break (a record)
子供が紙を破って遊んでいる。
The child is playing by tearing paper.
軍は敵の防御を破って首都に進んだ。
We broke through the enemy's defense and advanced.
彼は大切な約束を破ってしまって後悔した。
He ended up breaking his promise.