breaking

breɪk

verb

separate or cause to separate into pieces as a result of a blow, shock, or strain.

the branch broke with a loud snap

shatter,smash,smash to smithereens,crack,snap,fracture,fragment,splinter,disintegrate,fall to bits,fall to pieces,split,burst,blow out,tear,rend,sever,rupture,separate,divide,bust,shiver