Definition of housebreaking
: an act of breaking open and entering the dwelling house of another with a felonious purpose
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of housebreaking from the Web
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Consistent housebreaking should be completed in a week, but continue with training to reinforce the lessons.
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As the story begins, the brothers commit a crime—a housebreaking—with mixed results.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'housebreaking.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of housebreaking
1607
HOUSEBREAKING Defined for English Language Learners
housebreaking
playDefinition of housebreaking for English Language Learners
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: the act of forcefully entering someone's house in order to commit a crime (such as robbery)
Law Dictionary
housebreaking
playLegal Definition of housebreaking
: the act of breaking into and entering the dwelling house of another for the purpose of committing a felony
housebreaker
nounLearn More about housebreaking
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Nglish: Translation of housebreaking for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about housebreaking
Seen and Heard
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