破防

Real meaning

To be emotionally affected, unable to stay composed. From gaming/combat, metaphorically applied to moments that move someone deeply.

When to use it

Used when something unexpectedly touches you emotionally — a touching movie scene, surprising kindness, or being moved by another person's story.

Origin

Originally from games (defense broken), popularized on Bilibili/Douyin.

Examples

• 看到妈妈给我写的信,我破防了。
  Reading the letter my mom wrote me, I was totally moved.

Similar slang