1.to break down:发生故障,坏了。用于电器时break down与burn out(烧坏)的区别是:burnout是指电器超负荷运转、发热而停止运转;breakdown则是指电器由于机械故障而停止工作,不涉及是否超负荷运转。如:I just bought my new car yesterday and already it has broken down.The elevator broke down, so we walked all the way up to the top floor.