burglarize

[ bur-gluh-rahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, bur·glar·ized, bur·glar·iz·ing.

1. to break into and steal from:

   Thieves burglarized the warehouse.

verb (used without object)

, bur·glar·ized, bur·glar·iz·ing.

1. to commit burglary.

burglarize

/ ˈbɜːɡləˌraɪz /

verb

1. tr to break into (a place) and steal from (someone); burgle

Other Words From

• un·burglar·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of burglarize¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75; burglar + -ize

Example Sentences

The men are suspected of burglarizing or attempting to burglarize nine stores, each time using stolen vehicles to ram into the storefronts, smashing display cases and fleeing with firearms in other stolen cars.

From Los Angeles Times

Another resident, Andrés Calderón, 40, said several people in the neighborhood hadn’t wanted to leave their homes, fearing that thieves would burglarize them.

From New York Times

He proposed ideas include aggregating theft amounts and creating penalties targeting those who resell stolen property and burglarize cars .

From Los Angeles Times

Add in the closure of businesses, and young people with a criminal itch to shoplift or burglarize stores began looking to steal cars.

From Washington Times

Afterward, the men plotted additional ways to cause power outages by felling trees in order to cut power and burglarize businesses and steal from ATMs, Gorman said.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• break into