The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word ANALYSIS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
A
N
A
L
Y
S
I
S
More clues leading to the result ANALYSIS
- Obsessive sibling admitting yen for dissection
- Scrutiny of very particular year sister joined
- Fussy Yankee sibling’s breakdown
- Obsessive on why they say relative having breakdown
- Using any sails in storm demonstrates determination
- Breakdown is its own possible cure
- Study with an introduction to Aristophanes’ Lysistrata half-written
- Review fake nails, say
- Using any sails in storm may result in breakdown
- Breakdown — and what might resolve it?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Breakdown" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case breakdown = analysis.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ANALYSIS mean?
ANALYSIS noun- Decomposition into components in order to study (a complex thing, concept, theory etc.).
- The result of such a process.
- The mathematical study of functions, sequences, series, limits, derivatives and integrals.
- Proof by deduction from known truths.
- The process of breaking down a substance into its constituent parts, or the result of this process.
- The analytical study of melodies, harmonies, sequences, repetitions, variations, quotations, juxtapositions, and surprises.
- Psychoanalysis.