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

You know, like Nixon tried to shunt responsibility for the break-in on to Liddy, Sturgis, et al.

From The Daily Beast

For Nixon, it was the Watergate break-in, designed to filch political plans of his 1972 foes.

From The Daily Beast

The McDaniel campaign has strongly denied any link to the break-in or to Kelly.

From The Daily Beast

But within hours it was hacked and the break-in code was released.

From The Daily Beast

Nixon never needed help from the Watergate break-in to win the 1972 race, in which he only lost one state.

From The Daily Beast

It only needed the break-in of the Patrol to complete the illusion of action-fiction—crime variety.

From Project Gutenberg

A young ox is generally more difficult to break-in than an old one: I do not know why.

From Project Gutenberg

They also breed and break-in camels, which they sell in the Tiflis market.

From Project Gutenberg

That awk'ard—why, he can't finish off a glass rod without break-in' it, or burning himself!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• burglary
• robbery