Burglary

/ˈbɜːrɡləri/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The act of breaking and entering into a building with the intent to commit a crime, typically theft.

He was charged with burglary after police caught him entering the house at midnight.

The crime of unlawfully entering a structure with the intent to commit a crime within.

The rise in burglary rates in the city has prompted local authorities to enhance security measures.

An incident or occurrence of burglary.

We installed a new alarm system after the burglary at our neighbor's home.

The legal term used in criminal law to describe the offense of entering a property without permission.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge of burglary, claiming he had permission to be there.

From Middle English 'burglarie', from 'burglar' + '-y', influenced by the Old French 'burglare'.

home invasion

A burglary committed when someone is at home, often involving violence.

break-in

The act of illegally entering a building with intent to commit a crime.

safe-cracking

The act of opening a safe without authorization, often associated with robbery.

petty theft

The crime of theft considered minor in nature, often involving small amounts of money or items.

burglar

A person who commits burglary.

theft

The act of stealing; the unlawful taking of someone else's property.

larceny

The unlawful taking of personal property with the intent to deprive the owner of it.

hit a lick

They planned to hit a lick at the vacant house.

boost

He got caught trying to boost some electronics from a store.