rup·ture
ˈrəp(t)-shər 
1
: breach of peace or concord
specifically
: open hostility or war between nations
2
a
: the tearing apart of a tissue
rupture of the heart muscle
rupture of an intervertebral disc
b
: hernia
3
: a breaking apart or the state of being broken apart
Examples of rupture in a Sentence
Noun
A rupture in the pipeline resulted in major water damage.
a rupture of an artery
an infection that could cause rupture of the eardrum
The conflict caused a rupture in relations between the former allies.
They're trying to heal the rupture in their relationship.
Verb
The pipe ruptured because of high water pressure.
High water pressure ruptured the pipe.
The impact ruptured his liver.
The scandal ruptured relations between the two countries.
The crime ruptured the peace of a small town.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ivan Krastev, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2025
Meanwhile, Moscow’s connection to the rupture of an undersea cable between Finland and Estonia is raising a new bevy of fears over sabotage of critical power lines in the water, especially as the recent incident bears similarities to two other cuts linked to China.
—Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 31 Dec. 2024
Colin Millar, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
When an inflator is ruptured, metal fragments can strike passengers in the car resulting in serious injury or death.
—Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rupture 
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Noun
Political ruptures are achieved by previously unimaginable coalitions, united more by their intensity than a common program.
—Ivan Krastev, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2025
Meanwhile, Moscow’s connection to the rupture of an undersea cable between Finland and Estonia is raising a new bevy of fears over sabotage of critical power lines in the water, especially as the recent incident bears similarities to two other cuts linked to China.
—Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
Neymar has made just two substitute appearances since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee while playing for Brazil in October 2023.
—Colin Millar, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
When an inflator is ruptured, metal fragments can strike passengers in the car resulting in serious injury or death.
—Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rupture
Dictionary Entries Near rupture
Cite this Entry
“Rupture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rupture. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rupture
2 of 2 verb
ruptured; rupturing
Medical Definition
rupture
2 of 2 verb
ruptured; rupturing
-chə-riŋ, -shriŋ
: to produce a rupture in
rupture an eardrum
: to have or undergo a rupture
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