Definition

Noun: 1. An act of illegally entering a building, especially to steal something. This is the primary legal and common usage. It refers to the crime of trespassing with the intent to commit another crime, such as theft. 2. The initial period of using something new or the process of making something gradually operational. This is a more informal, figurative use, describing a period of adjustment or initial use.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Illegal Entry):

  • The police reported a break-in at the jewelry store last night.
  • We installed a new alarm system after the break-in.
  • He was arrested and charged with break-in.

• Noun (Initial Use/Adjustment Period):

  • During the break-in period for your new car, avoid high speeds.
  • The break-in process for these hiking boots can be uncomfortable.

Advanced Usage

• "to have a break-in": to experience the event of someone illegally entering your property.
  • They had a break-in while they were on vacation.
• The term is often used in compound nouns like "break-in artist" (a skilled burglar) or "break-in period" (the adjustment phase).

Variants and Related Words

• Break in (Phrasal Verb): To enter a building illegally; to interrupt; to make something less stiff by use.
  • Burglars tried to break in through the window. (Illegal entry)
  • Please don't break in while I'm speaking. (Interrupt)
  • You need to break in these new shoes. (Make comfortable through use)
• Burglary (Noun): A more formal legal term for the crime of breaking and entering a building with intent to commit a felony (like theft). Often used interchangeably with "break-in" in common speech.
• Home Invasion (Noun): A specific, often more violent type of break-in that occurs while the residents are present.

Synonyms

• Burglary
• Robbery (specifically involves theft or threat of force)
• Forced entry
• Housebreaking (a more formal/legal synonym)

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Break into: To enter a place illegally or by force; to suddenly begin doing something (e.g., ); to successfully start a new career or market.
  • Thieves broke into the warehouse.
  • He finally broke into the film industry.

Related Idioms

• Break and enter: The formal legal name for the act that constitutes a burglary or break-in.
• A clean break-in: Refers to a burglary where the perpetrators leave little evidence or mess.

Noun

1. trespassing for an unlawful purpose; illegal entrance into premises with criminal intent