breaking and entering

noun

: the act of forcing or otherwise gaining unlawful passage into and entering another's building

Examples of breaking and entering in a Sentence

The thief was arrested and charged with breaking and entering.

Recent Examples on the Web

Hosmer, whose criminal record dates back to 1974, was also previously convicted of second-degree home invasion, second-degree criminal conduct with a child under 13, breaking and entering with intent, and indecent liberties with a child. —Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026

The activists were organized into three groups, with one willing to commit felony breaking and entering, another willing to be arrested for trespassing, while others were there to peacefully protest, the sheriff said. —Scott Bauer, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026

Sedrick Walker, 21, is charged with burglary, two counts of breaking and entering to commit a misdemeanor, four counts of indecent exposure, two counts of trespassing, wearing a mask in public and obstruction of justice, the Fairfax County Police Department said in a release. —Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026

Felony breaking and entering at nighttime. —Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for breaking and entering

• centering
• mentoring
• decentering

Legal Definition

breaking and entering

noun

: the act of gaining passage into and entering another's property (as a building or vehicle) without privilege or by force

also : the crime of breaking and entering see also burglary