burglar
B1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A person who illegally enters a building, especially a home, with the intent to commit theft or another serious crime.
The term is primarily used for someone who commits burglary (illegal entry with intent), distinct from a robber (who uses force/threats) or a thief (a broader term for anyone who steals). Historically associated with night-time break-ins into dwellings.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Focuses on the illegal entry aspect. Often implies stealth and premeditation. Can be used in compounds (e.g., cat burglar, burglar alarm).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The legal definition of 'burglary' may vary by jurisdiction (e.g., time of day, type of building).
Connotations
Connotes a sneaky, often professional criminal who targets homes. Less violent connotation than 'robber'.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
A burglar broke into [place].The house was burgled by a professional.They caught the burglar red-handed.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Burglar Bill' (children's book character)”
- “to be/get burgled (UK)”
- “to be/get burglarized (US)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in insurance or security contexts (e.g., 'burglar alarm installation').
Academic
Used in criminology or legal studies discussing property crime.
Everyday
Common in news reports and personal narratives about break-ins.
Technical
Legal term with specific statutory definitions varying by region.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They were burgled while on holiday.
- The flat has been burgled twice.
American English
- The store was burglarized last night.
- Our neighbour's house got burglarized.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as an adverb; no standard examples)
American English
- (Rarely used as an adverb; no standard examples)
adjective
British English
- We need better burglar-proof locks.
- The burglar alarm went off accidentally.
American English
- They installed a burglar alarm system.
- The window had burglar bars.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A burglar stole my laptop.
- Close the window or a burglar might get in.
- The police caught the burglar leaving the house with a TV.
- We heard a noise and thought it was a burglar.
- Despite having a burglar alarm, the jewellery shop was targeted by professional thieves.
- The convicted burglar received a three-year sentence.
- Forensic evidence linked the suspect to a series of burglaries spanning several counties.
- The cat burglar scaled the drainpipe and entered through an open skylight.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BURGLAR' as someone who 'BURGL-es' into your 'LAR' (a poetic/old word for home).
Conceptual Metaphor
A BURGLAR IS A PREDATOR (preys on homes, often under cover of darkness).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'грабитель' (robber/holdup man). 'Burglar' is closer to 'вор-взломщик'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'robber' interchangeably (a robber uses force/threat, often against a person).
- Incorrect verb forms: 'He burglared the house' (correct: 'He burgled/burglarized the house').
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario most accurately describes a 'burglar'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A burglar illegally enters a building to commit a crime. A robber steals from a person or place using force or threat. A thief is the general term for anyone who steals.
Both are correct verbs. 'Burglarize' is primarily North American. 'Burgle' is chiefly British but understood elsewhere.
Typically, no. A person breaking into a car is usually called a 'car thief' or part of 'auto theft'. 'Burglar' strongly associates with buildings.
A skilled burglar who enters upper-story apartments or buildings by climbing, often moving quietly and stealthily like a cat.