Meaning & Definition of word "Breach"
to
Breach
/briːtʃ/
noun:
- 1. An act of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct.
- Example: The company faced legal repercussions due to a breach of contract.
- 2. A gap in a wall, barrier, or defense, especially one made by an attacking army.
- Example: The enemy took advantage of the breach in the fortress wall.
- 3. A violation or infraction.
- Example: There was a clear breach of trust between the two parties.
verb:
- 1. To make a gap in and break through (a barrier).
- Example: The soldiers were ordered to breach the enemy's defenses.
- 2. To violate or inflict harm on.
- Example: He felt that her actions would breach their friendship.
Etymology
Middle English 'breche', from Old French 'brèche', meaning 'to break'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
breach of contract:
A failure to perform any term of a contract without a legitimate legal excuse.
breach of trust:
A violation of the implicit trust in a relationship.
breach of peace:
An act that disturbs public peace.
Related Words
infringe:
To violate a law or agreement.
violate:
To break or fail to comply with a rule or formal agreement.
rupture:
To break or burst suddenly.
Slang Meanings of breach
Meaning: Breach in cybersecurity context
Example Sentence: The company suffered a major data breach, exposing thousands of user accounts.
Meaning: Breach in a social context
Example Sentence: He made a breach in our friendship by sharing my secrets.