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

A break-in was reported at the home of the lead prosecutor, Deputy Dist.

From Los Angeles Times

The break-in, first reported in the Sun newspaper, was at a farm on the Windsor estate which also includes residences of the Royal Family.

From BBC

The results also revealed £24.1m worth of "exceptional costs", some of which relates to the break-in at the Moreton plant, which was shut down last year.

From BBC

Earlier this month two of his artworks were stolen during an overnight break-in at a gallery in the Netherlands.

From BBC

Two artworks by the American artist Andy Warhol have been stolen during an overnight break-in at a gallery in the Netherlands.

From BBC

Related Words

• burglary
• robbery