burglary

[ bur-gluh-ree ]

noun

, Criminal Law.

, plural bur·gla·ries.

1. the felony of breaking into and entering the house of another at night with intent to steal, extended by statute to cover the breaking into and entering of any of various buildings, by night or day.

burglary

/ bɜːˈɡlɛərɪəs; ˈbɜːɡlərɪ /

noun

1. English criminal law the crime of either entering a building as a trespasser with the intention of committing theft, rape, grievous bodily harm, or damage, or, having entered as a trespasser, of committing one or more of these offences

Derived Forms

• burglarious, adjective

Other Words From

• anti·burgla·ry adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of burglary¹

1150–1200; Middle English < Anglo-French burglarie; burglar, -y ³

Example Sentences

They include two felony counts of murder, one felony count of kidnapping, two felony counts of arson of property, and two felony counts of first-degree burglary.

From Los Angeles Times

He was detained for a week but, within a month, he was back in custody for another burglary.

From BBC

The department does, however, assign officers to scores of federal task forces, including one with Homeland Security Investigations dealing with “crime tourists” from South America who travel to the state on temporary 90-day visas and form burglary rings.

From Los Angeles Times

However the dognapping charge was upgraded to burglary by the time he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday which he denied.

From BBC

The offence carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, while burglary is punishable by up to 14 years behind bars.

From BBC

Related Words

• break in
• crime
• heist
• larceny
• robbery
• theft