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

Example Sentences

An oarfish’s body is extremely delicate, so much so that if you pick one up it could break in half because of its jelly-like bones, Paig-Tran said.

From Los Angeles Times

"I can't get into too many of the details because the investigation is still ongoing," Mahomes said when asked about the break in.

From BBC

Such damage can lead to breaks in the DNA strand.

From Science Daily

There will be no winter break in this campaign either - meaning clubs will be playing pretty much solidly until the first World Cup qualifiers - and next Nations League games - take place in March.

From BBC

"And that's not a straightforward, easy thing to do. So having a fire break in between old and new is, actually, very helpful."

From BBC

Related Words

• burglary
• robbery