housebreaker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Legal; slightly dated or journalistic
Quick answer
What does “housebreaker” mean?
A person who illegally enters a building, especially a house, to commit a crime such as theft.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who illegally enters a building, especially a house, to commit a crime such as theft.
Historically, a person who breaks into a house or other building with the intent to commit a crime. Sometimes used in legal contexts, but 'burglar' is now more common in everyday language.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties, but 'burglar' is significantly more frequent in everyday American English. 'Housebreaker' may appear more often in UK legal or historical contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a formal, specific, and somewhat archaic connotation compared to 'burglar' or 'robber'.
Frequency
Rare in contemporary spoken American English. More likely to be encountered in British news reports or legal documents, though still infrequent.
Grammar
How to Use “housebreaker” in a Sentence
[housebreaker] + [verb e.g., entered, stole, was arrested][adjective e.g., skilled, notorious] + housebreakerVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “housebreaker” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not applicable as a standard adjective]
American English
- [Not applicable as a standard adjective]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare; potentially in historical or criminological studies.
Everyday
Low frequency; 'burglar' is preferred.
Technical
May appear in specific legal statute names or historical legal texts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “housebreaker”
- Using it as a synonym for a generic 'robber' (who might use threats/violence against people). Confusing it with 'homewrecker' (which is metaphorical, about relationships).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are largely synonymous, but 'housebreaker' emphasizes the act of physically breaking in and is more formal/dated. 'Burglar' is the standard term in modern English.
Traditionally, it specifically referred to dwellings (houses). For other buildings, 'burglar' or 'breaker' with a qualifier (e.g., 'office breaker') might be used, though 'burglar' is generally sufficient.
It may appear in the names of some older state statutes, but contemporary US legal language overwhelmingly uses 'burglar' and 'burglary'.
It is grammatically correct but will sound unusually formal or old-fashioned. For clear, modern communication, 'burglar' is the better choice.
A person who illegally enters a building, especially a house, to commit a crime such as theft.
Housebreaker is usually formal, legal; slightly dated or journalistic in register.
Housebreaker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaʊsˌbreɪkə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaʊsˌbreɪkər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the compound word literally: a person who BREAKS into a HOUSE.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRIME IS A FORCED ENTRY (into the sanctity of the home).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is a more common modern synonym for 'housebreaker'?