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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
Julio Esteban Batista-Castillo, 24, was charged with kidnapping, malicious destruction of property, breaking and entering and home invasion, in addition to several assault and battery charges.
—Andrea Margolis, Fox News, 3 Dec. 2024
Four people, including two brothers, were indicted April 18 after a nine-month investigation on 95 counts of unarmed burglary and breaking and entering a dwelling house in the daytime with intent to commit a felony.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2024
The police conducted a search of the residence and ruled out breaking and entering.
—Amy Woodyatt, CNN, 10 Oct. 2024
Pancake was taken to the Franklin County jail and booked on charges of breaking and entering and vandalism.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 11 July 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1598, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of breaking and entering was
in 1598
Dictionary Entries Near breaking and entering
Cite this Entry
“Breaking and entering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breaking%20and%20entering. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.
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
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