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Burglary
UK //ˈbɜːɡləri//US //ˈbɜrɡləri//
Definition
The act of illegally entering a building with the intent to commit theft.
In simple words: The crime of breaking into a building to steal something.
Examples
- The police arrested him for burglary after he was caught inside the house.
- Burglary is a serious crime that can result in extensive legal penalties.
- She was a victim of burglary when thieves broke into her apartment.
- The city has seen a rise in burglary cases this year compared to last year.
- After the burglary, they decided to install security cameras around their home.
- A second burglary occurred at the same location just a week later.
Usage notes
Used in legal contexts; not commonly used in casual conversation. Avoid using when referring to non-criminal thefts.
Grammar pattern
noun
Memory hint
Think of 'burglar' and 'entry' - a burglar entering a property.
Collocations
- commit burglary
- burglary charges
- burglary prevention
- burglary report
Synonyms
- theft
- housebreaking
- breaking and entering
- larceny
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'robbery'; burglary specifically involves breaking and entering.
- Incorrectly using 'burglary' as a verb; it's a noun.
- Assuming all thefts are classified as burglary.