break into
Britishverb
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to enter (a house, etc) illegally, esp by force
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to change abruptly from a slower to a faster speed
the horse broke into a gallop
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to consume (supplies held in reserve)
at the end of the exercise the soldiers had to break into their iron rations
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Make a forcible entry into, as in The alarm went off as soon as they tried to break into the house . [1300s] Also see break in , def. 1.
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Interrupt, as in I couldn't help but break into your conversation . [Mid-1600s]
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Suddenly begin some activity, as in Without warning she broke into tears . Also see under burst into .
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Enter or be admitted to an occupation or profession, as in Without connections it is virtually impossible to break into acting . [Late 1800s]
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 laser pulses caused the molecules to break into charged fragments.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 28, 2026
In recent years, U.S. officials have reported what they called China-linked attempts to break into U.S. broadband networks, access private communications and recruit operatives in the U.S. to act surreptitiously on Beijing’s behalf.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026
Let cool completely on the baking sheet, then break into clusters and shards.
From Salon ● Jul. 14, 2026
Many commenters drew comparisons with other US chains like Taco Bell that have tried to break into countries that their menus took inspiration from.
From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026
It was like planning to break into the Ministry all over again.
From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
