Definition

The act of entering a building or property without permission, usually to steal something.

Example

The police arrested him for burglary after they found him inside the house.

Conversation

Did you hear about the recent burglary in our neighborhood?

Yeah, it's really concerning when something like that happens so close to home.

I know, right? It makes me want to install better locks.

Definitely! It's better to be safe than sorry.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Burglary is formed from "burglar" (from Old French *burglar*, meaning a thief who breaks into a house) and "-y" (a suffix used to form nouns indicating a state or condition). The word "burglary" refers to the act or condition 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 the '-y' indicates the act or condition of that breaking in — that's why burglary means the act of breaking in to steal.

Visually Confused Words