WordGarden.iofracture
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /frˈæktʃə/
US
- /ˈfrækʃər/
Meanings
Noun
a break or crack in a bone
a crack or break in rock, metal, or another hard material
a split or division within a group or relationship
Verb
to break or crack a bone
to crack or break a hard material
to split a group, relationship, or shared system into divisions
Beyond the definition
A fracture isn't always a complete break. Think of a fractured friendship - it's damaged and weakened, but not necessarily over. A bone can fracture, meaning it cracks or breaks, but the word can also be used for trust, peace, or unity. It suggests that something whole has been broken or split. You might say a political party is fracturing because of internal disagreements, or that a sudden shout fractured the calm of the morning.
The word comes from the Latin "fractura," meaning a breaking. While it is often used for physical injuries - like a fractured wrist after a fall - it is also common in figurative use. You can talk about fractures in a group, in a relationship, or in an argument when there are serious weak points or divisions.
The word "fracture" most commonly refers to the breaking of a rigid object, like a bone. When a bone fractures, it cracks, breaks, or splinters – though not always completely separating into two pieces. A simple fracture might be a hairline crack, while a compound fracture involves a broken bone protruding through the skin.
However, "fracture" extends far beyond physical injuries. It describes any disruption in wholeness, integrity, or unity. You can experience a fractured relationship – one that's strained and damaged but not necessarily over. A society might be described as fractured if it's deeply divided by political, social, or economic inequalities.
The term implies a breaking apart, often with some degree of force or suddenness. A scientist might study the fracture mechanics of materials to understand how they break under stress. In writing or analysis, people may also speak of fractures within a movement, an institution, or a story when there are clear breaks, divisions, or weak points.
Figuratively, "fracture" can also suggest a subtle crack or flaw that weakens something over time. "A fracture appeared in his composure," suggests a momentary loss of control. Or "The peace talks suffered a critical fracture when the ceasefire was broken."
So whether it's a broken bone, a strained relationship, or a divided society, "fracture" describes a break – literal or figurative – that disrupts wholeness and creates division. It's a word that speaks to vulnerability, damage, and the potential for things to fall apart.
Examples
- 1
Medical finding
The doctor found a fracture in his left arm.
- 2
Ice accident
She fractured her wrist when she slipped on the ice.
- 3
Small break
The scan showed a hairline fracture in his ankle.
- 4
Crash injury
He suffered multiple fractures in the crash.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Relationship damage
Years of mistrust fractured their relationship.
- 6
Political divisions
The election exposed deep fractures within the party.
- Patternfractures within + group
serious divisions inside that group
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- fracturenounverb
Forms
- fracturespluralnounverb
- fracturedpast tenseverbnoun
- fracturing-ing formverbnoun