Housebroken

/ˈhaʊsˌbroʊ.kən/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Trained to urinate and defecate outside rather than indoors, typically used in reference to pets, especially dogs.

We adopted a housebroken dog, so we didn’t have to worry about indoor accidents.

Adapted to living indoors and not exhibiting destructive behavior.

The housebroken cat climbed onto the sofa without scratching it.

Figuratively, used to describe a person who has been conditioned to conform to societal norms.

He used to be wild and adventurous, but now he is just a housebroken citizen.

The term combines 'house' and 'broken', referring to being trained to behave properly in a household setting.

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.

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.

A term used informally to describe someone who is compliant or submissive.

After moving in together, he became a bit housebroken.