burglary

American  

[bur-gluh-ree] / ˈbɜr glə ri /

noun

Criminal Law.

plural

burglaries

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.

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burglary British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• antiburglary adjective
• burglarious adjective

Etymology

Origin of burglary

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

Example Sentences

The home of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ son Christian “King” Combs and his girlfriend, Raven Tracy, was the target of what police said was a burglary attempt Thursday morning.

From Los Angeles Times

An investigation into a home burglary in El Segundo led to police uncovering a theft ring and recovering more than $6 million in stolen luxury goods including handbags and watches in Riverside County, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

The elder Youssef had hoped to soon retire but put those plans on hold after the burglary.

From Los Angeles Times

French daily Le Monde said the departure of des Cars became "inevitable" following the burglary as well as trade union strikes pressing for more recruitment, pay and better maintenance of the museum.

From Barron's

“During a search of the vehicle, officers located burglary tools and recovered the stolen property, valued at approximately $7,000, which was returned to the company,” the Police Department wrote on social media.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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