Main Entry: break in

Function: verb

Date: circa 1535

intransitive verb

1 : to enter something (as a building or computer system) without consent or by force
2 a : intrude <break in upon his privacy> b : to interrupt a conversation
3 : to start in an activity or enterprise <breaking in as a cub reporter>transitive verb 1 : to accustom to a certain activity or occurrence <break in the new clerk>
2 : to overcome the stiffness or newness of <break in a pair of shoes>