busted up also bust up; busting up; busts up
informal
1
: to end a relationship with someone
Their marriage busted up after three years.
Didn't you hear? They busted up.
2
: to cause (something) to end
His gambling problem busted up their marriage.
The police busted the party up.
informal
1
: the end of a relationship, marriage, etc. : breakup
the bust-up of their marriage
2
British
: a very bad argument or disagreement : quarrel or fight
They had a bust-up over money.
Cite this Entry
“Bust up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bust%20up. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.
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