Break in
verb
To forcefully enter a place, especially a house, with the intention of stealing.
Thieves broke in and stole all of our electronics.
Often appears as...
- break in and steal
- break in at night
verb
To interrupt when someone is saying or doing something.
I had to break in to correct him on his incorrect facts.
Often appears as...
- break in conversation
- break in and correct
verb
To train, tame or get used to a new item, like shoes or new equipment.
I have to break in these new boots; they're a bit stiff.
Often appears as...
- break in new shoes
- break in new equipment
verb
To prepare a surface for use by rubbing or hitting it repeatedly.
The baseball team's coach is breaking in a new catcher's mitt.
Often appears as...
- breaking in a glove
- breaking in a baseball bat
Usage tips
Sport
verb
To forcefully enter a place, especially a house, with the intention of stealing.
Thieves broke in and stole all of our electronics.
Often appears as...
- break in and steal
- break in at night
verb
To interrupt when someone is saying or doing something.
I had to break in to correct him on his incorrect facts.
Often appears as...
- break in conversation
- break in and correct
verb
To train, tame or get used to a new item, like shoes or new equipment.
I have to break in these new boots; they're a bit stiff.
Often appears as...
- break in new shoes
- break in new equipment
verb
To prepare a surface for use by rubbing or hitting it repeatedly.
The baseball team's coach is breaking in a new catcher's mitt.
Often appears as...
- breaking in a glove
- breaking in a baseball bat
Usage tips
Sport
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/3Criminal Connotation
The phrase often implies illegal activity, especially theft or property damage.
The neighborhood was on edge after several houses were broken into.
Pro Tip 2/3News Reports
Commonly used in news stories about crimes involving unauthorized entry.
Police are investigating after a break-in at the local school.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
When used, it may evoke feelings of violation or anger in the context of burglary.
The family felt violated following the break-in.
Pro Tip 1/3Criminal Connotation
The phrase often implies illegal activity, especially theft or property damage.
The neighborhood was on edge after several houses were broken into.
Pro Tip 2/3News Reports
Commonly used in news stories about crimes involving unauthorized entry.
Police are investigating after a break-in at the local school.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
When used, it may evoke feelings of violation or anger in the context of burglary.
The family felt violated following the break-in.
Pro Tip 1/3Criminal Connotation
The phrase often implies illegal activity, especially theft or property damage.
The neighborhood was on edge after several houses were broken into.
Pro Tip 2/3News Reports
Commonly used in news stories about crimes involving unauthorized entry.
Police are investigating after a break-in at the local school.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
When used, it may evoke feelings of violation or anger in the context of burglary.
The family felt violated following the break-in.
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