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breaking and entering
noun
: the act of forcing or otherwise gaining unlawful passage into and entering another's building
Examples of breaking and entering in a Sentence
The thief was arrested and charged with breaking and entering.
Recent Examples on the Web
Since 2001, he had been criminally charged more than four dozen times, on counts including breaking and entering, assault and possessing firearms as a felon, records show.
—Eduardo Medina, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2024
Hughes had a lengthy criminal history dating back almost 15 years, including a conviction for breaking and entering in Person County in 2010, according to NBC affiliate WCNC of Charlotte.
—Deon J. Hampton, NBC News, 30 Apr. 2024
And that you were actually arrested on graduation night for breaking and entering into your high school in an attempt to glue the locks of the doors.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 5 Apr. 2024
Amy Baker Harrison was indicted by a Stafford County grand jury on Monday for the first-degree murder of Jacqueline Lard, as well as abduction with the intent to defile, aggravated malicious wounding and breaking and entering with the intent to commit murder, according to the sheriff’s office.
—Amanda Jackson, CNN, 9 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for breaking and entering
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'breaking and entering.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1598, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of breaking and entering was
in 1598
Dictionary Entries Near breaking and entering
Cite this Entry
“Breaking and entering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breaking%20and%20entering. Accessed 14 Jun. 2024.
Legal Definition
breaking and entering
noun
: the act of gaining passage into and entering another's property (as a building or vehicle) without privilege or by force
also
: the crime of breaking and entering see also burglary
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