break and entry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Legal
Quick answer
What does “break and entry” mean?
The specific crime of illegally entering a building, typically with the intent to commit a further offence such as theft.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The specific crime of illegally entering a building, typically with the intent to commit a further offence such as theft.
Used more broadly to refer to any unauthorized, forced entry into a property, not necessarily involving the legal definition of the crime.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase 'break and entry' is recognized but extremely rare in both dialects. 'Burglary' and 'breaking and entering' are the dominant terms. In formal UK law, 'burglary' is used. In some US state legal codes, 'breaking and entering' is a specific charge, but 'break and entry' is a non-standard variant.
Connotations
Strictly legalistic and somewhat archaic-sounding. Using 'break and entry' outside of a specific legal document might sound like an error for the more common 'breaking and entering'.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both corpora. 'Breaking and entering' is significantly more common, and 'burglary' is the most common everyday term.
Grammar
How to Use “break and entry” in a Sentence
The suspect was arrested for break and entry.The police report detailed the break and entry.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “break and entry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A. The verb form is 'to break and enter', not 'break and entry'.
American English
- N/A. The verb form is 'to break and enter', not 'break and entry'.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The break-and-entry charge was later reduced to trespass.
American English
- He faced break-and-entry charges in the district court.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in security reports or insurance claims detailing an incident.
Academic
Very rare outside of historical or specific legal studies comparing statutory language.
Everyday
Almost never used. People say 'burglary' or 'break-in'.
Technical
Primarily a legal term, found in certain statutes or charge sheets as a variant of 'breaking and entering'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “break and entry”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “break and entry”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “break and entry”
- Using 'break and entry' in everyday conversation instead of 'burglary' or 'break-in'.
- Confusing it with 'breaking and entering'.
- Using it as a verb phrase (e.g., 'He break and entered').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In essence, yes, it describes the same core criminal act. However, 'burglary' is the standard modern term in both the UK and US, while 'break and entry' is a less common, more formal/legalistic variant of 'breaking and entering'.
It is not recommended. It will sound odd, overly formal, or possibly like a mistake. Use 'burglary', 'break-in', or 'breaking and entering' instead.
They mean the same thing. 'Breaking and entering' is the far more common and standard form of this legal phrase. 'Break and entry' is a non-standard, variant phrasing.
No, it is a compound noun. The corresponding verb phrase is 'to break and enter' (e.g., 'He was accused of breaking and entering').
The specific crime of illegally entering a building, typically with the intent to commit a further offence such as theft.
Break and entry is usually formal, legal in register.
Break and entry: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbreɪk‿ən ˈɛntri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbreɪk‿ən ˈɛntri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the two-step crime: First you BREAK (a barrier), then you make an ENTRY (go inside).
Conceptual Metaphor
CRIME IS A TWO-PART PROCESS (a breach followed by an invasion).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'break and entry' MOST likely to be found?