breakdown breakdown /ˈbreɪkˌdaʊn/

noun

1. () The act of disrupting an established order so it fails to continue  ( dislocation , breakdown )
   the act of disrupting an established order so it fails to continue
    The social dislocations resulting from government policies
   the social dislocations resulting from government policies
    His warning came after the breakdown of talks in London
   his warning came after the breakdown of talks in London
   
2. An analysis into mutually exclusive categories  ( breakdown , partitioning )
   an analysis into mutually exclusive categories
   
3. A cessation of normal operation  ( breakdown , equipment failure )
   a cessation of normal operation
    There was a power breakdown
   there was a power breakdown
   
4. (biology) the process of decay caused by bacterial or fungal action  ( breakdown , decomposition , putrefaction , rot , rotting , biodegradation )
   (biology) the process of decay caused by bacterial or fungal action
     The rotting leaves emitted a foul smell.
   The rotting leaves emitted a foul smell.
   
   
5. A mental or physical breakdown  ( breakdown , crack-up )
   a mental or physical breakdown