To break into pieces, be smashed, or shatter (intransitive; used for objects like glass or stone).
窓ガラスが強い風で砕けた。
The window glass shattered in the strong wind.
陶器が落ちて砕けてしまった。
The pottery fell and broke into pieces.
氷が太陽で砕けて水になった。
The ice broke apart in the sun and turned into water.
To collapse, crumble, or decline; to lose momentum or enthusiasm (figurative).
チームの士気が連敗で砕けていった。
The team's morale was crushed by the consecutive defeats.
計画は思わぬ問題で徐々に砕けていった。
The plan gradually fell apart due to unforeseen problems.
To become informal or relaxed in manner; to drop formality and become friendly/affable.
堅い式典の後、参加者は徐々に砕けて話し始めた。
After the formal ceremony, participants gradually relaxed and began to chat.
上司が冗談を言うと雰囲気が砕けた。
When the boss made a joke, the atmosphere loosened.
To become easier to understand; to be presented in a simpler, more accessible way (e.g., a text or explanation).
専門的な説明が図解を入れて砕けたので助かった。
The technical explanation was made easier to understand with diagrams, which helped.
彼女の話し方は専門用語を砕けて話すので初心者にも分かる。
She breaks down technical terms so beginners can understand her explanations.
To be worried or troubled (a rarer usage).
合格発表を前に彼女の表情が少し砕けているように見えた。
Before the announcement of results, she looked a bit worried.