Meaning & Definition of word "Breach"

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    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.