housebreak
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ˈhaʊsˌbreɪk//
KK: /ˈhaʊsˌbreɪk/
noun
Definition
The act of breaking into a house to commit a crime, especially theft.
Example
The police reported an increase in housebreaks in the area last month.
Conversation
Did you hear about the recent housebreak in our neighborhood?
Yeah, it's really concerning; I hope everyone is staying safe.
I know, right? We should probably be more careful about locking our doors.
Definitely! It's better to be safe than sorry.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
burglary
theft
robbery
Antonyms
security
safety
protection
transitive verb
Definition
To train an animal, especially a puppy, to relieve itself in a designated area inside a house rather than anywhere else.
Example
We need to housebreak the puppy so it knows where to go to the bathroom.
Tense Forms
Past: housebroke
Past Participle: housebroken
Conversation
I just adopted a puppy, and I need to housebreak him quickly.
That sounds exciting! How are you planning to do it?
I've been reading about different techniques to housebreak him effectively.
Root Explanation
Housebreak → It is formed from "house" (from Old English *hus*, meaning dwelling or shelter) and "break" (from Old English *brecan*, meaning to break or violate). The word "housebreak" means to break into a house, typically with the intent to commit a crime.
Memory Tip
Think of someone 'breaking' ('brecan') into a 'dwelling' ('hus') — that's why housebreak means to illegally enter a home.
Visually Confused Words
horsebreaker