Definition

1. Noun:
   • The crime of illegally entering a building with the intention of committing a serious crime, especially theft: "Burglary" specifically refers to the unlawful entry into a structure (like a house, office, or shop) with the intent to commit a crime inside, most commonly to steal property.

Usage

• "Burglary" is a formal legal term for a specific type of property crime. It emphasizes the act of illegal entry with criminal intent. The crime is considered complete upon entry with that intent, even if nothing is stolen.
• It is often modified by words specifying the location (e.g., , ) or time (e.g., ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The police are investigating a series of burglaries in the neighborhood.
  • He was charged with burglary after being caught inside the closed store.
  • The rise in residential burglary is a concern for local authorities.

Advanced Usage

• "To commit burglary": to carry out the act of burglary.
  • The gang was arrested for committing multiple burglaries.
• "Aggravated burglary": a more serious charge, often involving the use of a weapon, the presence of people in the building, or causing significant damage during entry.
  • The suspect faces a charge of aggravated burglary because the homeowner was present.

Variants and Related Words

• Burglar (n): a person who commits burglary.
  • The burglar was caught by security cameras.
• Burgle (v): (chiefly British) to commit burglary; to enter a building illegally to steal.
  • Their house was burgled while they were on vacation.

Synonyms

• Breaking and entering: A legal term often used synonymously with burglary, focusing on the unlawful entry.
• Housebreaking: Similar to burglary, sometimes specifying entry into a dwelling.
• Theft: A broader term for stealing property, which is often the intended crime within a burglary.

Related Phrases

• Burglary tools: Instruments used to facilitate illegal entry, such as lock picks or crowbars.
  • He was arrested for possession of burglary tools.
• Burglary insurance: A type of insurance that provides coverage for losses due to burglary.
  • They filed a claim with their burglary insurance after the break-in.

Noun

1. entering a building unlawfully with intent to commit a felony or to steal valuable property