折断 (shé duàn) is a compound verb meaning 'to snap off' or 'to break off' — typically referring to something rigid, like a branch, bone, or tool, that breaks suddenly under pressure or force. The first character 折 (shé) means 'to bend until it breaks', while 断 (duàn) means 'to sever' or 'to cut off'; together they emphasize a clean, abrupt physical separation rather than gradual wear or crumbling.

This verb is commonly used in contexts involving injury (e.g., broken bones), nature (snapped twigs or antlers), or accidents (a snapped pencil or fishing rod). It implies the object was intact before and is now separated into two or more pieces due to external force. It is neutral in register but often appears in medical, veterinary, or descriptive narrative contexts — especially when reporting accidental damage or biological trauma.