breaking and entering

noun

law : the crime of illegally entering a house, building, etc., especially by using force

Full Definition of BREAKING AND ENTERING

: the act of forcing or otherwise gaining unlawful passage into and entering another's building

See breaking and entering defined for English-language learners

1778

Next Word in the Dictionary: breaking ballPrevious Word in the Dictionary: break inAll Words Near: breaking and entering

What made you want to look up breaking and entering? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears