plural breaches
1
: a failure to do what is required by a law, an agreement, or a duty : failure to act in a required or promised way
—usually + of
This is clearly a breach of the treaty.
He was fined for committing a breach of the peace. [=for making a lot of noise or behaving violently in public; for disorderly conduct]
Many people consider her decision to be a breach of trust/confidence.
They sued him for breach of contract. [=for failing to do what the contract required]
The judge ruled that the doctor's actions were in breach of her contractual duty.
2
Note: A breach of security or a security breach is an occurrence in which someone is able to get into a place that is guarded or is able to get secret information.
3
: a break in friendly relations between people or groups
—often + between
The breach between them developed years ago.
The misunderstanding had caused a breach between the families.
The decision caused a breach between the two countries.
4
: a hole or opening in something (such as a wall) made by breaking through it
They repaired a breach in the fence.
breaches; breached; breaching
1
: to fail to do what is required by (something, such as a law or agreement) : to break or violate (something)
He claims that the city breached an agreement by selling the property.
Is he going to breach his contract?
2
: to make a hole or opening in (something)
The army breached the castle wall.
Cite this Entry
“Breach.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/breach. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
