n.1.(point of collapse)崩溃点；断裂点；极限；爆发点
The system is being pushed to breaking point.过大的负载使系统崩溃。
Families round here are at breaking point. They have been on half wages since October.这附近的家庭已经忍无可忍了, 自10月份以来他们就一直只能领一半的薪水。
to reach breaking point达到极限；濒于破裂
The situation has reached breaking point.局势一触即发。
to be stretched to breaking point被施压至极限
The report on the riot exposed a prison system that is stretched to breaking point.关于暴动的报道暴露出监狱系统已经达到了承受极限。
2.(moment of crisis)危急时刻
The breaking point came when he had to sack his deputy Prime Minister.他万般无奈, 不得不解除副总理的职务。