Definition

Noun: - A public disturbance or disorderly conduct: A legal term for an act that disturbs public order and tranquility, or that might cause others to fear unlawful violence. It is an offense against the public peace.

Usage

This term is primarily used in legal and formal contexts to describe actions that disrupt public order. - The loud, violent argument in the street was considered a breach of the peace. - The protesters were arrested for causing a breach of the peace.

Advanced Usage

• To commit a breach of the peace: To perform an act that constitutes this offense.
  • The individual was charged with committing a breach of the peace.
• Amount to a breach of the peace: To be judged as meeting the legal criteria for this offense.
  • The judge ruled that the threatening behavior did amount to a breach of the peace.

Variants and Related Words

• Breach (noun): An act of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct. (e.g., )
• Peace (noun): Freedom from disturbance; tranquility. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Public disturbance
• Disorderly conduct
• Disturbance of the peace
• Affray (a specific type of fight in a public place that terrifies others)

Related Phrases

• To keep the peace: To maintain public order; to avoid causing trouble.
  • He was bound over by the court to keep the peace for twelve months.
• Breach of the peace and quiet: A more descriptive phrase emphasizing the disturbance of tranquility.
  • The constant construction noise was a breach of the peace and quiet of the neighborhood.

Noun

1. any act of molesting, interrupting, hindering, agitating, or arousing from a state of repose or otherwise depriving inhabitants of the peace and quiet to which they are entitled