Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

effraction

American  
[ih-frak-shuhn] / ɪˈfræk ʃən /

noun

Law.
  1. a breaking into a house, store, etc., by force; forcible entry.


Other Word Forms

  • effractor noun

Etymology

Origin of effraction

1830–40; < French: literally, a breaking open < Latin ef- ef- + frāctiōn- fraction

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The emergence takes place without any violent effraction, without any ragged rents.

From More Hunting Wasps by Teixeira de Mattos, Alexander

He came home as full of rage as he could stick, and he threatened to bring actions for "effraction" and breaking open of lock-fast places, trespass, damage to property, and I don't know what all.

From Deep Moat Grange by Crockett, S. R. (Samuel Rutherford)

Such a proceeding has infinite consequences of effraction.

From The Belovéd Vagabond by Locke, William John