housebreaker

[ hous-brey-ker ]

noun

1. a person who breaks into and enters a house with a felonious intent.
2. British.
   1. a worker or wrecking company that demolishes houses and buildings, as to make room for new construction.
   2. a person who buys doors, paneled walls, etc., from standing houses, to sell as antiques; a person who dismantles a house of its valuable parts before it is torn down.

Other Words From

• housebreaking noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of housebreaker¹

1275–1325; Middle English. See house, breaker ¹

Example Sentences

The insidious servant becomes a tyrannical master; the housebreaker is innocent, the horse thief guiltless in comparison.

From Project Gutenberg

"Take that burly housebreaker, bind him, and put him to the test," were the instructions they received.

From Project Gutenberg

The darkness of the upper hallway offered no obstacle to this familiar housebreaker.

From Project Gutenberg

Six pairs of eyes, blear or foxy, were riveted upon the boyish figure of the housebreaker.

From Project Gutenberg

But surely madame la princesse must appreciate the police might be at a loss to know which housebreaker to arrest.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bandit
• burglar
• con artist
• crook
• looter
• marauder
• mugger
• pickpocket
• pirate
• raider
• rustler
• shoplifter
• swindler
• thief
• thug