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Definition of "break-in" []

  • A forcible entry, as into a building or room, for an illegal purpose, especially theft. (noun)
  • An initial period of employment or operation during which the performance of a person or thing may be evaluated and adjusted. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "break-in" in a sentence
  • "The late Rutgers law professor Arthur Kinoy argued that the Nixon White House was tipped off that the Supreme Court was about to disapprove of warrantless wiretapping and the purpose of the break-in was to retrieve bugs that had been placed in the DNC headquarters."
  • "Not only was she seen with Joseph on Monday, guests and employees at the hotel noticed her and Joseph together just before the break-in today."
  • "I wish to report a break-in and what appears to be an unfortunate casualty resulting from it…."