Definition
挣断 is a resultative verb (r.v.) formed by the verb 挣 (to struggle, to exert force) and the result complement 断 (to break). It means to break or snap something (like a rope, chain, or shackles) by struggling or pulling hard. The structure emphasizes that the breaking is achieved through effort. Note that the pinyin for 挣 in this compound is zhèng, not zhēng.
r.v.
to break (a rope, chain, etc.) by struggling or pulling
Examples
- ，挣断。Tā yònglì yì lā, zhēng le shéngzi.He gave a hard pull and broke the rope.
- 挣断，。Fànrén shìtú zhēng shǒukào, dàn méiyǒu chénggōng.The prisoner tried to break the handcuffs but failed.
- 挣断，。Xiǎo gǒu zhēng le liànzi, pǎo dào le jiē shàng.The puppy broke its chain and ran into the street.
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