housebreaker

[ hous-brey-ker ]

noun

1. a person who breaks into and enters a house with a felonious intent.
2. British.
   1. a worker or wrecking company that demolishes houses and buildings, as to make room for new construction.
   2. a person who buys doors, paneled walls, etc., from standing houses, to sell as antiques; a person who dismantles a house of its valuable parts before it is torn down.

Other Words From

• housebreaking noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of housebreaker¹

1275–1325; Middle English. See house, breaker ¹

Example Sentences

“Now suppose that you were, in truth, the owner of that house, and could not still get in; and think there was to you no conscience of the housebreaker, what would you do?”

From Literature

If you’ve any followers—housebreakers or such like—anywhere near, you may tell them we are not by ourselves in the house; we have a gentleman, and dogs, and guns.”

From Literature

Lao Mao was no ordinary housebreaker - his mission was to feed two starving cats trapped in the home for 10 days.

From Reuters

Mr Turner said he discovered the housebreaker in his bedroom with the top drawer of his bedroom cabinet open.

From BBC

Your friend and apprentice housebreaker, Denna, pstscrpt—Please rest assured that I did not notice the disgraceful condition of your bed linens, and did not judge your character thereby.

From Literature

Related Words

• bandit
• burglar
• con artist
• crook
• looter
• marauder
• mugger
• pickpocket
• pirate
• raider
• rustler
• shoplifter
• swindler
• thief
• thug