burglary
B2Neutral, leaning towards formal/legal; common in news, legal discourse, and everyday reports of crime.
Definition
Meaning
The crime of illegally entering a building with the intent to commit a crime, especially theft.
The act of breaking and entering a dwelling or other building with felonious intent, typically under cover of darkness. The specific legal definition can vary by jurisdiction but generally requires unlawful entry and criminal intent.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Focuses on the unlawful *entry* with criminal intent; the intended crime (usually theft) need not be completed for the act to be considered burglary. Contrasts with 'robbery' (theft involving force or threat against a person) and 'theft' (general act of stealing).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK legal definition historically required entry as a 'trespasser', while US definitions vary by state but often require unlawful entry into a building or occupied structure. In everyday use, the terms are used similarly.
Connotations
Similar strong negative connotations of violation and property crime in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparatively high frequency in both varieties, common in news media and legal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
There was a burglary at [location][Someone] was arrested for burglaryto commit burglarya charge/case of burglaryVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cat burglary (a stealthy, skillful burglary)”
- “Inside job (a burglary with help from someone with legitimate access)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in risk assessment reports and insurance claims (e.g., 'The premises are protected against burglary.').
Academic
Used in criminology, sociology, and law studies discussing crime statistics, causes, and prevention.
Everyday
Common in news reports and personal accounts of crime (e.g., 'Our neighbour was a victim of a burglary last night.').
Technical
Used in legal documents and police reports with precise jurisdictional definitions regarding entry, intent, and type of structure.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The gang burgled several houses in the affluent neighbourhood.
- They were caught while attempting to burgle the warehouse.
American English
- The store was burglarized three times last year.
- He was arrested for burglarizing an apartment.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly derived; 'burglariously' is archaic/legal.
American English
- Not commonly derived; 'burglariously' is archaic/legal.
adjective
British English
- The burglary rate has seen a slight decrease.
- He was part of a burglary gang.
American English
- The homeowner had a burglary alarm installed.
- She gave a statement to the burglary detective.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The police came after the burglary.
- A burglary is a bad crime.
- There was a burglary at the shop last night.
- He went to prison for burglary.
- The rise in residential burglaries has alarmed the community.
- She was charged with burglary after being found inside the locked office.
- The forensic evidence linked him to a string of sophisticated burglaries in the county.
- The legal definition of burglary hinges on proving intent at the moment of entry.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BURGer LARYngitis who can't speak, so he sneaks in silently to steal – a BURG-LARY.
Conceptual Metaphor
VIOLATION IS A PHYSICAL BREACH (e.g., 'They violated the sanctity of the home').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from 'кража' (theft/kradyezha), which is broader. 'Burglary' is specifically about unlawful entry.
- Do not confuse with 'грабёж' (grabyozh), which corresponds to 'robbery' (theft with violence/threat).
- The Russian legal term 'квартирная кража' is a closer functional equivalent for residential burglary.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'burglary' when the theft occurred without unlawful entry (e.g., pickpocketing).
- Confusing 'burglary' (crime against property) with 'robbery' (crime against a person).
- Incorrect plural: 'burglaries' (not 'burgleries').
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario best describes a 'burglary'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Burglary involves unlawful entry into a building with criminal intent (theft, assault, etc.). Robbery involves taking property from a person through force or threat of force. A burglary can become a robbery if the burglar confronts and threatens someone inside.
No. While theft is the most common intent, the legal definition of burglary in many jurisdictions includes entry with intent to commit any felony, such as assault, vandalism, or arson.
No. The verb 'to burgle/burglarize' applies to buildings, homes, or premises, not people. You rob a person, but you burgle a place.
Yes, 'burglarize' is the standard verb form in American English. In British English, 'burgle' is the preferred and more common form, though 'burglarize' is understood.
Collections
Part of a collection
Crime and Justice
B1 · 46 words · Vocabulary for law, crime and the justice system.