1. break down 1.1 stop functioning -This machine will break down if you don't take care of it. 1.2 lose control of one's emotions -She broke down when she heard of her friend's accident. 1.3 to break something down (trans v.) The survey breaks down the population of Thailand region by region. 2. bring down 2.1 to cause to fall or come down After much hard bargaining, he brought the price down to 300 baht for the dress. 2.2 cause to be defeated, defeat This scandal could well bring the government down.