break-in
[
breyk
-in]
/ˈbreɪkˌɪn/
noun
1.
an illegal entry into a home, car, office, etc.
2.
break-in period
.
Origin
1855-60;
noun use of verb phrase
break in
British Dictionary definitions for
break-in
break in
verb
(
adverb
)
1.
(
sometimes foll by on
) to interrupt
2.
(
intransitive
) to enter a house, etc, illegally, esp by force
3.
(
transitive
) to accustom (a person or animal) to normal duties or practice
4.
(
transitive
) to use or wear (shoes, new equipment, etc) until comfortable or running smoothly
5.
(
transitive
) (
Austral & NZ
) to bring (new land) under cultivation
noun
6.
the illegal entering of a building, esp by thieves
(
as modifier
):
the break-in plans