break-in
B2Neutral to formal in crime reporting; informal for the 'wear into comfort' sense.
Definition
Meaning
An act of illegally entering a building, especially by force, typically to steal something.
Can also refer to a preliminary period of use or operation to settle something into proper working condition (e.g., breaking in new shoes, a car engine). It is also used in computing/security contexts for an unauthorized intrusion into a computer system. The primary sense is criminal forced entry.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, it is hyphenated. The verb form is 'break in' (phrasal verb). The criminal sense is countable ('several break-ins'); the 'wearing-in' sense is usually uncountable ('requires a bit of break-in').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling and usage are identical. Both use 'burglary' as a more formal, legal synonym.
Connotations
Strongly negative in the criminal sense; neutral/positive in the 'wearing-in' sense (e.g., 'break-in period' for machinery).
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties in crime contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
There was a break-in at [PLACE].The police are investigating the break-in.The [ITEM] was stolen during the break-in.[PERPETRATOR] was arrested for the break-in.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A clean break-in (one with minimal evidence left).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to security breaches in offices or data systems (e.g., 'a cyber break-in').
Academic
Used in criminology, sociology, or legal studies papers on property crime.
Everyday
Common in news reports and personal accounts of property crime.
Technical
In computing/security: 'network break-in'; in engineering: 'engine break-in procedure'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Thieves tried to break in through the patio doors.
- You need to break in these walking boots before the long hike.
American English
- The suspects attempted to break in last night.
- I'm going to break in my new baseball glove.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable. 'Break in' as a phrasal verb is not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable. 'Break in' as a phrasal verb is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The break-in period for the new van is 500 miles.
- Police issued a statement on the break-in incident.
American English
- Follow the manufacturer's break-in procedure for the engine.
- The break-in alarm was triggered at 3 AM.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There was a break-in at our school.
- The police came quickly after the break-in was reported.
- A spate of break-ins in the neighbourhood has led to increased patrols.
- Forensic analysts were able to lift several fingerprints from the point of entry, crucial for solving the sophisticated break-in.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone BREAKING a window to get IN. Break + in.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECURITY IS A CONTAINER (breaching the container).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'пролом' (a breach/hole) or 'взлом' (cracking, hacking). 'Взлом' is a closer match for the forced entry sense, especially for computers ('взлом компьютера'). 'Кража со взломом' is the full legal phrase for burglary.
- The 'wearing-in' sense translates as 'обкатка' (for engines) or 'разнашивание' (for shoes).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'break-in' as a verb (correct: 'to break in').
- Misspelling as 'break in' (noun should be hyphenated).
- Confusing with 'breakdown' (a failure).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a typical meaning of 'break-in'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun, it is hyphenated: 'break-in'. As a verb phrase, it is two words: 'break in'.
They are largely synonymous in everyday use. 'Burglary' is the more formal legal term, often implying the intent to commit a crime (like theft) inside. 'Break-in' emphasizes the act of illegal entry itself, often involving force.
Yes, it's commonly used to describe an unauthorized intrusion into a computer system or network, similar to a 'hack'.
It's often used as an uncountable noun or in compound adjectives like 'break-in period' or 'break-in oil', referring to the initial use of something (e.g., shoes, a car engine) to make it perform optimally.