breaking and entering: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Legal
Quick answer
What does “breaking and entering” mean?
The criminal act of illegally entering a building, typically by force, with the intent to commit a further offence, such as theft or assault.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The criminal act of illegally entering a building, typically by force, with the intent to commit a further offence, such as theft or assault.
More broadly, it can refer to any forceful or unauthorized intrusion into a private space, building, or, metaphorically, into a system or domain. In modern legal contexts, it is often encompassed by the broader statutory term 'burglary'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In American legal terminology, 'breaking and entering' is a specific common-law crime and is often a component of the statutory crime of 'burglary'. In modern British law, the term is largely archaic and has been replaced by specific offences under the Theft Act 1968, such as 'burglary'.
Connotations
Both carry strong legal/criminal connotations. In the UK, its use outside of historical legal contexts sounds formal and somewhat dated. In the US, it remains a standard, understood legal phrase.
Frequency
More frequent in American English, particularly in news reports and legal discourse. Rare in contemporary British English except in historical or specific legal commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “breaking and entering” in a Sentence
[NP] was arrested for breaking and entering.The charge was breaking and entering with intent to steal.He was found guilty of breaking and entering.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “breaking and entering” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The offence of breaking and entering has been largely superseded by burglary.
American English
- The suspect was indicted for breaking and entering a dwelling at night.
adjective
British English
- The breaking-and-entering charge was the most serious on the docket.
American English
- He faced a breaking-and-entering conviction from his youth.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in security reports: 'The premises were secured after an incident of breaking and entering.'
Academic
Used in law, criminology, and sociology papers discussing historical or comparative criminal law.
Everyday
Used in news reports or formal discussions of crime: 'The local news reported a breaking and entering on Maple Street.'
Technical
A specific term in common law and some statutory legal codes, defining the elements of a crime.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “breaking and entering”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “breaking and entering”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “breaking and entering”
- Using it as a verb ('He breaking and entered the house') – it is almost exclusively a noun phrase. Confusing it with 'robbery' (which involves direct confrontation) or 'theft' (which may not involve unlawful entry).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Breaking and entering' is a common-law offence that often forms part of the modern statutory crime of 'burglary'. Burglary typically requires the additional element of intent to commit a crime inside (like theft). In many places, 'burglary' has replaced it as the official legal term.
No, in legal terms, 'breaking' can be very minimal. It includes any act of overcoming a barrier to entry, such as opening a closed but unlocked door or window, or even fraudulently obtaining a key.
It is very uncommon and sounds non-standard. The phrase is primarily a noun phrase (a gerund compound). You would say 'He committed breaking and entering' or 'He was arrested for breaking and entering', not 'He broke and entered' (though 'break into' is the standard verb phrase).
It is largely archaic in contemporary UK law, having been replaced by 'burglary' under the Theft Act 1968. It might appear in historical contexts or in older legal texts, but it is not the current statutory term.
The criminal act of illegally entering a building, typically by force, with the intent to commit a further offence, such as theft or assault.
Breaking and entering is usually formal, legal in register.
Breaking and entering: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbreɪkɪŋ‿ən(d) ˈentərɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbreɪkɪŋ‿ənd ˈɛntərɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He didn't just knock; it was a case of breaking and entering.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sequence: first you BREAK (a barrier, like a lock or window), and then you ENTER. It's a two-step criminal action.
Conceptual Metaphor
VIOLATION IS FORCED ENTRY / PRIVACY IS A CONTAINER (breaching the container's boundary).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'breaking and entering' most accurately used today?