Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To train or accustom someone or something to a new situation or role, often through initial use or discipline: This meaning involves making a person or animal submissive, obedient, or useful, or making an object less stiff through initial use.
   • To force entry into a building or container, causing it to open or give way: This refers to the act of breaking something so that it falls inward or opens, often by force.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To enter a building or property illegally, usually to steal: This describes the act of entering without authorization, typically with criminal intent.
   • To interrupt a conversation or activity suddenly: This means to intrude or interject oneself into an ongoing discussion or event without being invited.

Usage Examples

• Verb (transitive):

  • It took weeks to break in the new horse. (To train the horse to be ridden.)
  • I need to break in these new hiking boots before the long trek. (To make the boots comfortable by wearing them initially.)
  • The firefighters had to break in the door to rescue the occupants. (To force the door open.)

• Verb (intransitive):

  • The police report confirmed that someone tried to break in last night. (To enter a property illegally.)
  • Please don't break in while I'm speaking; wait for your turn. (To interrupt a conversation.)
  • He always breaks in with his opinion, even when it's not relevant. (To interject suddenly.)

Advanced Usage

• "to break someone in": To train or initiate someone into a new job or role gently.

  • The senior analyst will break the new recruit in during the first month.

• In computing/security contexts: Refers to unauthorized access to a digital system or account.

  • The hackers attempted to break in to the company's database.

Variants and Related Words

• Break-in (noun): An instance of illegally entering a property.

  • The neighborhood has seen a rise in break-ins this year.

• Break into (phrasal verb): A related form often used similarly for illegal entry or sudden start of an action (e.g., break into a house, break into a run).

Synonyms

• Train (for the "accustom" meaning): .
• Intrude (for the "interrupt" meaning): .
• Burgle (for the "illegal entry" meaning): .
• Force open (for the "enter by force" meaning): .

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Break into: To enter a place forcibly or illegally; to suddenly begin an activity.
  • Thieves broke into the warehouse.
  • She broke into tears upon hearing the news.

Related Idioms

• Break in the action: A pause or lull during an event or activity.

  • During a break in the action, the players hydrated.

• Break new ground in: To pioneer or innovate in a field. (Note: This idiom uses "break" with "new ground," not "break in" as a unit).

  • The research breaks new ground in renewable energy.

Verb

1. make submissive, obedient, or useful
   • The horse was tough to break
   • I broke in the new intern
2. break so as to fall inward
   • He broke in the door
3. intrude on uninvited
   • The nosy couple broke in on our conversation
4. start in a certain activity, enterprise, or role
5. break into a conversation
   • her husband always chimes in, even when he is not involved in the conversation
6. enter someone's (virtual or real) property in an unauthorized manner, usually with the intent to steal or commit a violent act
   • Someone broke in while I was on vacation
   • They broke into my car and stole my radio!
   • who broke into my account last night?