# rupture

/ˈɹəptʃɝ/ (US) · /ɹˈʌptʃɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rupture
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 2. medical injury

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a tear in a muscle, organ, or other soft tissue in the body.

For teachers: a tear or break in a bodily organ or soft tissue, such as a muscle or ligament.

- The athlete had to stop playing because of a rupture in his Achilles tendon.
- The surgeon confirmed a rupture of the spleen, requiring immediate intervention to prevent internal haemorrhaging.

### 3. social/political break

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a serious disagreement that ends a relationship between people or countries.

For teachers: a severe breach in harmonious relations between individuals, groups, or nations.

- The disagreement led to a permanent rupture between the two former business partners.
- The diplomatic rupture between the two neighbouring states followed years of escalating tension over maritime borders.

## Examples

- The pipe burst, causing a major rupture in the basement.
- Doctors performed emergency surgery to repair a rupture in the patient's appendix before it could cause further infection.
- The sudden rupture in diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries led to an immediate suspension of all cross-border trade and travel agreements.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.