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DictionaryburglaryCriminal entry
noun

burglary

BUR-gluh-ree/ˈbɜːrɡləri/

Illegal entry into a building with intent to commit a crime, usually theft.

The intruder's entry through the forced window begins a burglary.

A forced-open house window with broken latch and gloved intruder halfway entering toward a drawer, no weapon or technique detail.
Etymology
burglaryLatinhousebreaking

Latin burglaria named the crime of housebreaking. That image connects to the selected meaning of entering a building unlawfully with the intention of committing a crime.

In context

THE FEDORA LAWYER1:37
into a building that's not open to the public and you intend to commit a felony a theft or an assault that's how you commit the offense of burglary
What is Burglary

More examples

  • The alarm prevented a second burglary.
  • Several burglaries occurred in the neighborhood that month.
  • He reported the burglary as soon as he returned.

Forms

burglary · burglaries

Similar words

robbery
Involves taking property through force or threats, not simply illegal entry.
theft
Theft requires taking property, whereas burglary concerns unlawful entry with criminal intent.