English dictionary



Hint: Question mark (?) is a wildcard. Question mark substitutes one character.

English verb: break in

1. break in (social) enter someone's (virtual or real) property in an unauthorized manner, usually with the intent to steal or commit a violent act


SamplesSomeone broke in while I was on vacation.
They broke into my car and stole my radio!.
Who broke into my account last night?.


Synonymsbreak


Pattern of useSomebody ----s.
Somebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)intrude, trespass


Narrower (hyponym)crack

2. break in (communication) break into a conversation


SamplesHer husband always chimes in, even when he is not involved in the conversation.


Synonymsbarge in, butt in, chime in, chisel in, cut in, put in


Pattern of useSomebody ----s


Broader (hypernym)break up, cut off, disrupt, interrupt


Narrower (hyponym)disrupt, interrupt

3. break in (change) start in a certain activity, enterprise, or role


Pattern of useSomebody ----s


Broader (hypernym)begin, commence, get, get down, set about, set out, start, start out

4. break in (contact) intrude on uninvited


SamplesThe nosy couple broke in on our conversation.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s PP


Broader (hypernym)intrude, irrupt

5. break in (change) break so as to fall inward


SamplesHe broke in the door.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)break


Narrower (hyponym)stave in

6. break in (change) make submissive, obedient, or useful


SamplesThe horse was tough to break.
I broke in the new intern.


Synonymsbreak


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)domesticate, domesticise, domesticize, reclaim, tame


Causebreak


Verb groupbreak









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
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