to escape suddenly from somebody who is holding you or keeping you prisoner
Example:
- The prisoner broke away from his guards.
to leave a political party, state, etc., especially to form a new one
Example:
- The people of the province wished to break away and form a new state.
Related words and phrases
to move away from a crowd or group, especially in a race
Example:
- She broke away from the pack and opened up a two-second lead.