burglarize
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ˈbɜːrɡləraɪz//
KK: /ˈbɜrɡləˌraɪz/
intransitive verb
Definition
To illegally enter a building with the intent to commit a crime, usually theft.
Example
The police arrested him for trying to burglarize a house in the neighborhood.
Tense Forms
Past: burglarized
Past Participle: burglarized
Conversation
Did you hear about that break-in last night?
Yeah, I can't believe someone would actually burglarize a house in our neighborhood.
It's so unsettling, especially since I live just a few blocks away.
I know! We should be more careful and maybe get a security system.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
steal
rob
loot
Antonyms
secure
protect
guard
transitive verb
Definition
To illegally enter a building with the intention of stealing something.
Example
The police caught the man trying to burglarize a house in the neighborhood.
Tense Forms
Past: burglarized
Past Participle: burglarized
Conversation
Did you hear about that house on our street that got burglarized?
Yeah, it's so scary to think that could happen to anyone.
I know! I always thought our neighborhood was safe.
Root Explanation
Burglarize → It is formed from 'burglar' (from Old French *burglar*, meaning a thief who breaks into a house) and the suffix '-ize' (meaning to make or to render). The word 'burglarize' means to make an act of breaking into a building with the intent to commit theft.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'burglar' as someone who breaks into a place, and when you add '-ize', it means to perform that action — that's why burglarize means to break in and steal.
Visually Confused Words
tabularize
regularize
nebularize