English · Daily Life
break in
/breɪk ɪn/
[/breɪk ɪn/]
enter by force
Intermediateverb
Definition
To enter a building illegally and by force, usually to steal. It can also mean to interrupt.
Example
Thieves broke in through the back window.
Thieves broke in through the back window.
Etymology
From 'break' plus 'in', forcing entry into a place.
How & Where It’s Used
Common in talk about burglary.