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

But some students enjoy the lessons as a break in their daily routine in the tents.

From Slate

After 13 minutes of added time, partly because of the break in play caused by VAR, both benches became embroiled in arguments.

From BBC

China's Zhang Anda makes a 147 break in his second-round match against compatriot Lei Peifan at the UK Championship at the Barbican in York.

From BBC

A much-needed break in 2019 was extended by the pandemic, after which they each pursued personal projects.

From New York Times

This enabled them to identify a surprisingly sharp break in the energy distribution of the cosmic-ray electrons.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• burglary
• robbery