breach of the peace: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal / Legal
Quick answer
What does “breach of the peace” mean?
A criminal offence involving public disorder, disturbance, or violence that alarms or distresses people.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A criminal offence involving public disorder, disturbance, or violence that alarms or distresses people.
Any act that disrupts public order, tranquility, or safety; often used more broadly to describe any unruly or disruptive public behavior that causes alarm.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British law, it is a specific common law offence. In American law, the term is used but often corresponds to statutory offences like 'disorderly conduct' or 'disturbing the peace'.
Connotations
UK: Strong legal/judicial connotation as a standalone charge. US: Often a broader, more descriptive term for disorderly acts, sometimes used in legal contexts but less frequently as a formal charge name.
Frequency
More frequent in UK legal and journalistic contexts. In US, 'disturbing the peace' is more common in everyday and legal language.
Grammar
How to Use “breach of the peace” in a Sentence
[Subject] was arrested for breach of the peace.[Verb] a breach of the peace.charged with breach of the peaceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “breach of the peace” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The protesters were accused of breaching the peace.
- He was bound over to keep the peace, not to breach it.
American English
- The rowdy fans could breach the peace if not controlled.
- Actions that breach the peace may lead to arrest.
adjective
British English
- He faced breach-of-the-peace proceedings.
- A breach-of-the-peace charge is serious.
American English
- The breach-of-the-peace statute was invoked.
- They discussed breach-of-the-peace ordinances.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of public demonstrations affecting business premises.
Academic
Used in legal, criminology, and sociology papers discussing public order law.
Everyday
Used in news reports about arrests or public disturbances.
Technical
A precise legal term in UK common law; a descriptive term in US law and international human rights law (re: right to peaceful assembly).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “breach of the peace”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “breach of the peace”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “breach of the peace”
- Using 'breach of peace' (omitting 'the').
- Confusing with 'breach of contract'.
- Using in overly casual contexts (e.g., for a noisy party at home).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very similar. 'Breach of the peace' is the traditional UK common law term. 'Disturbing the peace' is the more common statutory term in the US and some other jurisdictions. The meaning is essentially identical.
Yes, though penalties vary. In many jurisdictions, it is typically a misdemeanor punishable by fines or short-term imprisonment. The specific sentence depends on the severity and circumstances.
Not necessarily. While violence is common, the key element is causing alarm, distress, or disturbance to the public. Persistent loud noise, threatening behaviour, or highly disorderly conduct can also qualify.
Primarily, yes, as it concerns public order. However, acts inside a private dwelling can constitute a breach of the peace if they are so severe that they disturb neighbours or spill out into public view, affecting the wider community's peace.
A criminal offence involving public disorder, disturbance, or violence that alarms or distresses people.
Breach of the peace is usually formal / legal in register.
Breach of the peace: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbriːtʃ əv ðə ˈpiːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbritʃ əv ðə ˈpis/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Disturb the peace (more common US variant)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BEACH (sounds like 'breach') where a loud fight breaks out, destroying the PEACE of the sunny day.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEACE IS A CONTAINER / STATE (the breach is a break in its boundary). LAW AND ORDER IS A FABRIC (the breach is a tear in it).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'breach of the peace' MOST accurately used?