effraction

noun ef·frac·tion \ eˈfrakshən , ə̇ˈ- \

Definition of effraction

plural -s

: the action of making forcible entry

criminal effraction of a house

effraction into a store

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Origin and Etymology of effraction

French, modification (influenced by French -ion) of Late Latin effractura, from Latin effractus (past participle of effringere to break open, from ex- + -fringere, from frangere to break) + -ura -ure