Synonyms

breach of the peace

American

noun

Law.

a violation of the public peace, as by a riot, disturbance, etc.

breach of the peace British

noun

law an offence against public order causing an unnecessary disturbance of the peace

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of breach of the peace

First recorded in 1665–75

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.

See Examples For:

breach of the peace

Prison officers had previously claimed the 30-year-old, who was on remand for unpaid fines and breach of the peace, had smashed up his cell and covered himself in excrement.

From BBC ● Jun. 25, 2026

Police said officers "enforced cordons in the area to prevent a breach of the peace and three arrests were made".

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2025

Mr Kohli is also accused of conducting himself in a disorderly manner and committing a breach of the peace on the same occasion.

From BBC ● Aug. 8, 2025

The Chesterfield County deputies were charged Monday with misconduct in office, criminal conspiracy and aggravated breach of the peace, according to the warrants from the State Law Enforcement Division.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 13, 2024

The conclusion was so evident that, had it not been for a good deal of soothing syrup at 'Arry's expense, there might have been a serious breach of the peace.

From Mr. Punch's Cockney Humour by Various

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023