bust up
phrasal verb
busted up
also bust up;
busting up;
busts up
Definition of bust up
(Entry 1 of 2)
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.
bust-up
nounDefinition of bust-up (Entry 2 of 2)
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.