The term 'break down food' refers to the process of digestion, which is the breakdown of food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body. The six-letter solution for this term is 'DIGEST, ' which is the act of breaking down food into its component parts so that it can be used by the body. Digestion begins in the mouth with chewing and saliva, and continues in the stomach and intestines, where enzymes break down the food into its component parts. These components are then absorbed into the bloodstream, providing the body with the nutrients it needs to function.