rupture

 
Pronunciation: /ˈrʌptʃə/

verb

  • 1 [no object] (especially of a pipe or container, or bodily part such as an organ or membrane) break or burst suddenly: if the main artery ruptures he could die
  • [with object] cause to break or burst suddenly: the impact ruptured both fuel tanks
  • (be ruptured or rupture oneself) suffer an abdominal hernia: one of the boys was ruptured and needed to be fitted with a truss
  • 2 [with object] breach or disturb (a harmonious feeling or situation): once trust and confidence has been ruptured it can be difficult to regain

noun

  • 1an instance of breaking or bursting suddenly and completely: a small hairline crack could develop into a rupture [mass noun]: the patient died after rupture of an aneurysm
  • an abdominal hernia.
  • 2a breach of a harmonious relationship: the rupture with his father would never be healed

Origin:

late Middle English (as a noun): from Old French rupture or Latin ruptura, from rumpere 'to break'. The verb dates from the mid 18th century