break-in

[ breyk-in ]

noun

1. an illegal entry into a home, car, office, etc.
2. break-in period.

break in

verb

1. sometimes foll by on to interrupt
2. intr to enter a house, etc, illegally, esp by force
3. tr to accustom (a person or animal) to normal duties or practice
4. tr to use or wear (shoes, new equipment, etc) until comfortable or running smoothly
5. tr to bring (new land) under cultivation

noun

1. 1. the illegal entering of a building, esp by thieves
   2. ( as modifier )

      the break-in plans

Word History and Origins

Origin of break-in¹

First recorded in 1855–60; noun use of verb phrase break in

Related Words

• burglary
• robbery