godan verb (-tsu), transitive verb
Physically or metaphorically cutting something so it is no longer connected. Common with objects like ropes, ties, or relationships.
彼は家族との縁を断った。
He severed ties with his family.
その国は敵国との国交
That country cut off diplomatic relations with the enemy nation.
godan verb (-tsu), transitive verb
suppress; eradicate; exterminate
Forcefully stopping or eliminating something undesirable, such as pests, bad habits, or threats.
この薬で害虫を断つことができる。
This medicine can eradicate the pests.
悪の根を断たなければならない。
We must root out evil.
godan verb (-tsu), transitive verb
abstain from; give up
Deliberately stopping a personal habit or consumption, often for health or moral reasons. Common with 酒, たばこ, 甘いもの.
健康のために酒を断つことにした。
I decided to give up alcohol for my health.
医者にたばこを断つように言われた。
The doctor told me to quit smoking.