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Burglary

🇬🇧 UK //ˈbɜːɡləri// 🇺🇸 US //ˈbɜrɡləri//

Meaning of Burglary

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.

Burglary in a sentence

• 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.

How to use Burglary

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.

Related words

Collocations with Burglary

• commit burglary
• burglary charges
• burglary prevention
• burglary report

Synonyms for Burglary

• theft
• housebreaking
• breaking and entering
• larceny

Common mistakes with Burglary

• 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.

Frequently asked questions about Burglary

What does Burglary mean?

The crime of breaking into a building to steal something.

What is the definition of Burglary?

The act of illegally entering a building with the intent to commit theft.

How do you use Burglary in a sentence?

The police arrested him for burglary after he was caught inside the house.

Can you give another example of Burglary?

Burglary is a serious crime that can result in extensive legal penalties.

What are synonyms for Burglary?

Common alternatives include theft, housebreaking, breaking and entering, larceny.

What words go with Burglary?

It commonly pairs with commit burglary, burglary charges, burglary prevention, burglary report.

What are common mistakes when using Burglary?

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.

How do you pronounce Burglary?

US: //ˈbɜrɡləri//, UK: //ˈbɜːɡləri//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Burglary formal or informal?

"Burglary" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Burglary?

Used in legal contexts; not commonly used in casual conversation. Avoid using when referring to non-criminal thefts.