verb
housebreak
To enter a dwelling unlawfully to steal.
The thieves housebreak while the residents are away at work.
Etymology
The compound describes breaking into a house. It names unlawful entry into a dwelling, particularly with the intention of stealing.
More examples
- Someone housebroke our neighbor's home and stole her jewelry.
- The gang has housebroken several homes on this street.
- Police catch two men housebreaking while the family is on vacation.
Forms
housebreak · housebreaks · housebroke · housebroken · housebreaking
housebreaker noun — Someone who enters homes unlawfully to steal.
housebreaking noun — Unlawful entry into a dwelling to steal.
Similar words
- burglarize
- Can involve any building, not just a dwelling.
- rob
- Focuses on taking property, not unlawfully entering a dwelling.