First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1breach
noun \ˈbrēch\
: a failure to do what is required by a law an agreement or a duty : failure to act in a required or promised way
: a break in friendly relations between people or groups
: a hole or opening in something (such as a wall) made by breaking through it
Full Definition of BREACH
1
: infraction or violation of a law, obligation, tie, or standard
2
a : a broken, ruptured, or torn condition or area b : a gap (as in a wall) made by battering
4
: a leap especially of a whale out of water
See breach defined for English-language learners
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Origin of BREACH
Middle English breche, from Old English brǣc act of breaking; akin to Old English brecan to break
Related to BREACH
- Synonyms
- contravention, infraction, infringement, transgression, trespass, violation
- Antonyms
- noninfringement, nonviolation, observance
2breach
verb
: to fail to do what is required by (something, such as a law or agreement) : to break or violate (something)
: to make a hole or opening in (something)
Full Definition of BREACH
transitive verb
1
: to make a breach in <breach a wall>
intransitive verb
: to leap out of water <a whale breaching>
See breach defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BREACH
1547
Related to BREACH
- Synonyms
- violate, break, contravene, fracture, infringe, offend, traduce, transgress
- Antonyms
- comply (with), conform (to), follow, mind, obey, observe
BREACH Defined for Kids
1breach
noun \ˈbrēch\
Definition of BREACH for Kids
1
: a failure to act in a promised or required way <a breach of contract>
2
: an opening made by breaking <a breach in the dam>
2breach
verb
breachedbreach·ing
Definition of BREACH for Kids
1
: to fail to do as promised or required by <breach an agreement>
2
: to make a break in
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