breaks down
Definitions
To stop functioning or operating due to mechanical failure.
To lose control of one's emotions and begin to cry or become distraught.
To analyze or separate something into smaller, more manageable components.
Examples
My car frequently breaks down whenever I try to drive it on the highway.
The complex chemical compound breaks down into simpler elements when exposed to heat.
Synonyms
fails malfunctions stops working collapses decays decomposes crumbles