bust up

phr.v. to end a romantic relationship or a close partnership.

phr.v. to terminate a romantic relationship or partnership. Intransitive in this sense.

“I heard that Sarah and Tom decided to bust up after three years together.”

“The band decided to bust up mid-tour due to creative differences that had been simmering for months.”

Informal

phr.v. to break something or damage it badly.

phr.v. to physically damage, ruin, or destroy something. Transitive; the object can sit between 'bust' and 'up'.

“He managed to bust up his phone screen when he dropped it on the pavement.”

“The storm winds were strong enough to bust up the old wooden fence in the backyard.”

Informal · American English

phr.v. to start laughing suddenly and very loudly.

phr.v. to burst into sudden, intense laughter.

“The whole class started to bust up when the teacher made a funny mistake.”

“Every time he tells that story about the parrot, I just bust up laughing.”

Slang

n. a loud argument or a physical fight that ends a relationship or meeting.

n. a serious quarrel or physical fight, often resulting in a permanent separation or breakdown of relations.

“There was a huge bust-up at the party last night and now they aren't speaking.”

“The board meeting ended in a spectacular bust-up over the proposed budget cuts.”

Informal · British English