Break is one of the least adulterated words in our language.
That sound has stood the test of time and a range of pronunciations and its meaning is still roughly the same as it was several thousand years ago.
Maybe being onomatopeic probably helps. Like a crack.
We break our brief in two to make the sound.
It also helps that breaks and cracks are so common in our lives.
They’re feared and desired.
A new day breaks as the waves break on the shore.
Wait till the news breaks that the heat today will break all records.
Take a break from work or you’ll break under the stress.
You’re breaking my heart.
And my favourite of all: breakfast.