Burglaries are a common crime that involves the unlawful entry into a building or structure with the intent to commit a crime. It is a serious offense that can result in significant property damage, loss of valuable items, and emotional trauma for the victims. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of burglaries, its origin, and associations.
Definitions
Burglary is defined as the act of breaking into a building or structure with the intent to commit a crime, such as theft or vandalism. In legal terms, it is considered a felony offense that carries severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines. The definition of burglary may vary depending on the jurisdiction, but the basic elements of the crime are the same.
Origin
The term burglary comes from the Old French word “burglar,” which means “to break into.” The crime has been around for centuries and has evolved with the changing times. In ancient times, burglary was a common crime that involved breaking into homes and stealing valuable items. Today, burglary has expanded to include commercial buildings, vehicles, and other structures.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster, burglary is “the act of breaking and entering a dwelling or other building with the intent to commit a felony.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines burglary as “the offense of breaking into a house or other building with the intent to steal.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “the crime of illegally entering a building and stealing things.”
Associations
Burglary is often associated with other crimes, such as theft, vandalism, and home invasion. It is also associated with violence, as burglars may use force to gain entry or to subdue the occupants. Burglary can have a significant impact on the victims, causing them to feel violated and unsafe in their own homes.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for burglary include break-in, robbery, theft, and home invasion. These terms are often used interchangeably but may have slightly different meanings depending on the context.
Antonyms
Antonyms for burglary would include legal entry, authorized access, and lawful entrance. These terms describe situations where someone has permission to enter a building or structure and is not committing a crime.
The same root words
The root word of burglary is “burglar,” which comes from the Old French word “burglary.” Other words with the same root include burglarize, burglarious, and burglar-proof.
Example Sentences
- The police are investigating a burglary that occurred last night at the local convenience store.
- The homeowner installed a burglar alarm to prevent future break-ins.
- The suspects were caught in the act of burglarizing the jewelry store.
- The family was traumatized by the home invasion and decided to install a security system.
- The burglars stole several valuable items from the museum, including a rare painting.