A man commiting a burglary.
The definition of a burglary is breaking into a house or other building to commit theft or another crime.
An example of burglary is someone breaking the lock on the back door of your house and stealing your television.
the act of breaking into a building to commit theft or some other crime
Origin of burglaryburglar + -y
- The act of entering another's premises without authorization in order to commit a crime, such as theft.
- An instance of this: There were 10 burglaries in the area last month.
- The crime of unlawfully breaking into a vehicle, house, store, or other enclosure with the intent to steal.
- (law) Under the common law, breaking and entering of the dwelling of another at night with the intent to commit a felony.
- (law, US) Under the Model Penal Code, entering a building or occupied structure with purpose to commit a crime therein, unless the premises are at the time open to the public or the actor is licensed or privileged to enter. Model Penal Code § 221.1.
burglary - Legal Definition
The common-law offense of forcibly entering a dwelling at night to commit a felony therein.