break-in

American  

[breyk-in] / ˈbreɪkˌɪn /

noun

1. an illegal entry into a home, car, office, etc.

2. break-in period.

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break in British  

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

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noun

1. 1. the illegal entering of a building, esp by thieves

   2. ( as modifier )

      the break-in plans

break in Idioms  

1. Enter by force, as in The thieves broke in through the back door . [Mid-1500s] Also see break into .

2. Also, break in on . Interrupt or disturb something unexpectedly, as in His assistant broke in with the bad news just as we were ready to sign the agreement , or He broke in on our private talks . [Mid-1600s]

3. Train or instruct someone in a new job or enterprise, as in Every semester she had to break in a new teaching assistant . [Late 1700s]

4. Loosen or soften with use, as in It takes a while to break in a pair of new shoes .

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Etymology

Origin of break-in

First recorded in 1855–60; noun use of verb phrase break in

Example Sentences

Back in Nottinghamshire, Wosley added her business, The Dice Cup, had also been targeted by thieves "a lot" in recent years, with their most recent break-in about a year ago.

From BBC

The security failures highlighted by a spectacular break-in at the museum on October 19 have cast a harsh spotlight on management of the institution and des Cars, who has apologised.

From Barron's

As “A Private Life” moves along, with Lilian negotiating a break-in, threats and lapses in judgment, it never exactly coheres.

From Los Angeles Times

She always figured that if there was any kind of trouble, any kind of break-in, either she or Molly would catch it.

From Literature

Questions continue to swirl since the October 19 break-in over whether it was avoidable and why thieves were able to steal crown jewels worth more than $100 million.

From Barron's

Related Words

• burglary
• robbery