effraction

[ ih-frak-shuhn ]

noun

, Law.

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

Other Words From

• ef·fractor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of effraction¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg