SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

effraction

noun
Save Word
ef·​frac·​tion | \ eˈfrakshən, ə̇ˈ- \
plural -s

Definition of effraction

: the action of making forcible entry criminal effraction of a house effraction into a store

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for 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

Learn More About effraction

Dictionary Entries Near effraction

effortless

effraction

effrontery

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for effraction

Cite this Entry

“Effraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effraction. Accessed 24 May. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

dander

Listen to the pronunciation of dander

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Name That Color

  • a light greenish blue color
  • Name that color:
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games