effraction

[ih-frak-shuhn]

noun

Law.

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

Other Word Forms

• effractor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of effraction¹

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

Example Sentences

He came home as full of rage as he could stick, and he threatened to bring actions for "effraction" and breaking open of lock-fast places, trespass, damage to property, and I don't know what all.

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"Effraction by force in case of debt is punishable by the 127th section of the 'Code,'" said a dirty little man, who, with the air of a shoeblack, was still a leading member of the Florence "Bar."

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Such a proceeding has infinite consequences of effraction.

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This is Dr. Bertillon's effraction dynamometer.

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

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