Burglary Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈbərləri/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The unauthorized entry into a building, house, or other structure with the intention of committing a crime, such as theft or harm to people or property.

Examples

• The police responded to reports of a burglary at the local convenience store.
• A skilled locksmith was called in to help catch the burglar.

Synonyms

• Break-in
• Housebreaking

Antonyms

• Protection
• Security

Etymology

The word “burglary” is derived from the French word “burgier,” meaning “burgess” or “free man,” and “lary,” meaning “looting” or “plundering.”

Additional Information

Burglaries can be committed for a variety of reasons, including financial gain, thrill-seeking, or revenge. It is considered a serious crime, and those who are convicted may face severe penalties.

In some cases, burglars may use sophisticated methods and tools to gain access to a property, such as using lock-picking tools or exploiting weaknesses in the property’s security system.

Preventing burglary requires a combination of physical security measures, such as strong doors and locks, as well as awareness and vigilance on the part of property owners and occupants.

Usage Notes

The word “burglary” is often used in the context of criminal law, and is typically defined as the unauthorized entry into a property with the intent to commit a crime.

In some cases, the term “burglary” may be used more broadly to refer to any type of unauthorized entry, including entry gained through deception or coercion.

Cultural References

Burglary is a common theme in many works of fiction, including movies, TV shows, and novels.

In literature, burglary is often used as a means of exploring themes of class, privilege, and social inequality.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Break and enter” is an idiomatic phrase that refers to the act of burgling a property.

“The burglar’s cry” is an idiomatic phrase that refers to the alarm or warning that a burglar must give to alert others to their presence.

Related Words or Phrases

• Thief
• Robbery
• Arson

Collocations

• Burglary ring
• Burglary spree
• Burglary suspect

Frequency of Use

Burglary is a relatively common occurrence in many parts of the world, and the word is frequently used in news headlines and media reports.

Common Misspellings

• Burleigh
• Burgury