Meaning & Definition of word "Housebroken"
to
Housebroken
/ˈhaʊsˌbroʊ.kən/
adjective:
- 1. Trained to urinate and defecate outside rather than indoors, typically used in reference to pets, especially dogs.
- Example: We adopted a housebroken dog, so we didn’t have to worry about indoor accidents.
- 2. Adapted to living indoors and not exhibiting destructive behavior.
- Example: The housebroken cat climbed onto the sofa without scratching it.
- 3. Figuratively, used to describe a person who has been conditioned to conform to societal norms.
- Example: He used to be wild and adventurous, but now he is just a housebroken citizen.
Etymology
The term combines 'house' and 'broken', referring to being trained to behave properly in a household setting.
Common Phrases and Expressions
housebroken pet:
A pet that has been trained to go outside to relieve itself.
housebroken behavior:
Behavior that is conditioned or accepted in a household environment.
Related Words
potty train:
The process of teaching a child or pet to use the toilet.
litter box:
A box filled with litter for cats to urinate and defecate in.
Slang Meanings of housebroken
Meaning: A term used informally to describe someone who is compliant or submissive.
Example Sentence: After moving in together, he became a bit housebroken.