burglarize
C1Informal, chiefly journalistic.
Definition
Meaning
To enter a building illegally with the intent to commit theft.
To commit burglary in a specific location; more generally, to plunder or steal from a place by unlawful entry.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Focuses on the act of the burglar against the premises. Often used in passive voice ('The house was burglarized'). Implies a violation of property.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Predominantly American English. The standard British equivalent is 'burgle'.
Connotations
In AmE, it is the standard, unmarked term. In BrE, its use is rare and often perceived as an Americanism, sometimes sounding formal or journalistic.
Frequency
Very high frequency in American English. Extremely low frequency in British English, where 'burgle' is preferred.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Somebody] burglarizes [something][Something] is burglarizedVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in insurance or security reports (e.g., 'The warehouse was burglarized last night').
Academic
Rare; used in criminology or sociology papers discussing crime statistics.
Everyday
Common in American news reports and casual conversation about crime.
Technical
Used in police reports and legal contexts in the US.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The thieves attempted to burgle the jewellery shop.
- Our shed was burgled last summer.
American English
- Someone burglarized our car while we were at the game.
- The pharmacy on Main Street gets burglarized every few months.
adverb
British English
- No common adverb form.
American English
- No common adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No common adjective form derived directly; use 'burgled' (The burgled property).
American English
- No common adjective form derived directly; use 'burglarized' (The burglarized home).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The police said someone tried to burglarize the empty house.
- My neighbour's garage was burglarized last week.
- Security cameras showed two men burglarizing the electronics store after hours.
- Homes in this area are rarely burglarized due to the active neighbourhood watch.
- The gang specialized in burglarizing high-end apartments while the owners were on vacation.
- Despite being burglarized twice, he refused to install a more sophisticated alarm system.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: BURGLAR + IZE (make into). A burglar 'izes' a place by committing burglary there.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRIME IS A VIOLATION OF A CONTAINER (The building is a container broken into).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'грабить' (to rob openly/with force). 'Burglarize' is stealthy, unlawful entry. Closer to 'совершать кражу со взломом'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'burglarize' in British English contexts.
- Confusing with 'rob' (which targets a person/bank) vs. 'burglarize' (targets a building).
- Misspelling as 'burglerize'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'burglarize' CORRECTLY in standard American English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is the standard verb for 'to commit burglary' in American English.
'Rob' refers to taking property from a person or place by force or threat. 'Burglarize' specifically means to illegally enter a building to commit theft or another felony.
It is understood but sounds distinctly American. In British English, 'burgle' is the standard, more natural choice.
The related noun is 'burglary'. The act of burglarizing a place is a burglary.
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