Meaning of break in in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    US accent

    UK accent

  1. Verb

    break in

    Definitions

    1. enter someone's property in an unauthorized manner, usually with the intent to steal or commit a violent act

    Examples

    • « Someone broke in while I was on vacation »
    • « They broke into my car and stole my radio! »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. break into a conversation

    Examples

    • « her husband always chimes in, even when he is not involved in the conversation »
  3. 3. start in a certain activity, enterprise, or role
  4. 4. intrude on uninvited

    Examples

    • « The nosy couple broke in on our conversation »
  5. 5. break so as to call inward

    Examples

    • « He broke in the door »
  6. 6. make submissive, obedient, or useful

    Examples

    • « The horse was tough to break »
    • « I broke in the new intern »

Famous quotes

  • « I love the wry motto of the Paleontological Society, meant both literally and figuratively, for hammers are the main tool of our trade: Frango ut patefaciam - I break in order to reveal. »
    Stephen Jay Gould
  • « Maturity is only a short break in adolescence. »
    Jules Feiffer

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