Breach

/briːtʃ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An act of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct.

The company faced legal repercussions due to a breach of contract.

A gap in a wall, barrier, or defense, especially one made by an attacking army.

The enemy took advantage of the breach in the fortress wall.

A violation or infraction.

There was a clear breach of trust between the two parties.

verb

To make a gap in and break through (a barrier).

The soldiers were ordered to breach the enemy's defenses.

To violate or inflict harm on.

He felt that her actions would breach their friendship.

Middle English 'breche', from Old French 'brèche', meaning 'to break'.

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.

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.

Breach in cybersecurity context

The company suffered a major data breach, exposing thousands of user accounts.

Breach in a social context

He made a breach in our friendship by sharing my secrets.