Definition

Noun: - The crime of illegally entering a building, especially by using force, with the intent to commit a crime inside. This legal term specifically refers to the act of gaining unauthorized access to a property by breaking something (like a window, lock, or door) or by entering through an unconventional opening, with a criminal purpose such as theft or vandalism.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The suspect was charged with breaking and entering after he was caught inside the closed store.
  • Home security systems are designed to deter breaking and entering.
  • The police report listed the crime as breaking and entering with intent to commit larceny.

Advanced Usage

• Legal Context: In many jurisdictions, "breaking and entering" is a specific statutory offense. The "breaking" element can be satisfied by minimal force, such as pushing open an already unlocked door or opening a window. The key components are unlawful entry plus criminal intent.
  • The lawyer argued that there was no breaking and entering because the garage door was left wide open.

Variants and Related Words

• Burglary (n): Often used synonymously in common language, though legally, burglary may have a broader or more specific definition depending on the region, typically requiring the unlawful entry into a building to commit a felony or theft.
• Trespassing (n): The broader act of entering someone's property without permission. "Breaking and entering" is a more serious, specific form of trespassing with criminal intent.
• Home Invasion (n): A severe form of breaking and entering where occupants are present during the crime, often involving violence or the threat of violence.

Synonyms

• Burglary
• Housebreaking
• Illegal entry

Related Phrases

• To commit breaking and entering: The act of performing this crime.
  • The gang was arrested for committing breaking and entering at several warehouses.

Noun

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