C1noun2K

Breach

UK /["/briːtʃ/"]/US /["/briːtʃ/"]/

Definition

a failure to do something that must be done by law

In simple words: To break a law or a promise.

Examples

  • The team was disappointed by the breach of contract that occurred during the negotiations.
  • The security breach at the company led to sensitive information being leaked.
  • In law, a breach can refer to the violation of a legal duty or obligation.
  • The breach in the dam caused widespread flooding in the town below.
  • He made a breach in the wall to improve the ventilation in the room.

Usage notes

Used in legal or formal contexts, often to describe violations of rules or agreements. Avoid in casual conversation unless discussing specific incidents.

Grammar pattern

breach + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'breach' as a 'break' in a wall – something's not supposed to be there.

Collocations

  • clear
  • fundamental
  • grave
  • constitute
  • commit
  • remedy
  • in breach of
  • breach of
  • a breach of confidence
  • a breach of trust
  • (a) breach of confidentiality
  • clear
  • fundamental
  • grave
  • constitute
  • commit
  • remedy
  • in breach of
  • breach of
  • a breach of confidence
  • a breach of trust
  • (a) breach of confidentiality
  • cause
  • lead to
  • heal
  • breach between
  • breach with

Synonyms

  • violation
  • infraction
  • transgression
  • infringement
  • break

Antonyms

  • comply
  • adhere
  • follow

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'breach' vs 'breech' (the latter refers to a position in childbirth).
  • Using 'breach' as a transitive verb without a direct object.
  • Incorrectly applying 'breach' in situations that require other terms like 'break' or 'violate'.