breach
A serious violation or failure to observe a law, agreement, or standard of conduct. It can also refer to a physical gap or rupture made in a protective wall, barrier, or defense system.
Examples
3 of 5The dog managed to find a small breach in the garden fence and escaped into the woods.
The dog managed to find a small breach in the garden fence and escaped into the woods.
The defendant was found liable for a material breach of contract after failing to deliver the goods on time.
The defendant was found liable for a material breach of contract after failing to deliver the goods on time.
Sharing my secret with the whole group was a major breach of trust.
Sharing my secret with the whole group was a major breach of trust.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'breach' as a 'break' in a wall or a 'break' in a legal agreement; both 'breach' and 'break' start with 'bre'.
Quick Quiz
The investigation revealed a significant ______ of security protocols at the research facility.
Correct!
The correct answer is: breach
Examples
The dog managed to find a small breach in the garden fence and escaped into the woods.
everydayThe dog managed to find a small breach in the garden fence and escaped into the woods.
The defendant was found liable for a material breach of contract after failing to deliver the goods on time.
formalThe defendant was found liable for a material breach of contract after failing to deliver the goods on time.
Sharing my secret with the whole group was a major breach of trust.
informalSharing my secret with the whole group was a major breach of trust.
The study analyzes how the ethical breach occurred during the clinical trial phase.
academicThe study analyzes how the ethical breach occurred during the clinical trial phase.
The recent data breach compromised the personal information of over five million customers.
businessThe recent data breach compromised the personal information of over five million customers.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
step into the breach
to take over a task or role when the person normally responsible for it is absent
breach of the peace
a legal term for noisy or violent behavior in public
breach of promise
historically, the failure to marry someone after promising to do so
Often Confused With
Breech refers to the back part of a gun barrel or a baby born feet-first; breach refers to a violation or a gap.
A bridge connects two things, while a breach is a break or gap between them.
Usage Notes
The word is primarily used in legal, professional, or technical contexts to describe the breaking of rules or security. It is more formal than 'break' or 'gap'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misspell it as 'breech' when referring to legal violations. It is also sometimes incorrectly used for minor social mistakes; it usually implies a serious or formal failure.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'breach' as a 'break' in a wall or a 'break' in a legal agreement; both 'breach' and 'break' start with 'bre'.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French 'breche', which comes from the Frankish word for 'breaking' or 'fragment'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Anglo-American law, 'breach of contract' is a fundamental concept used to resolve commercial disputes.
Quick Quiz
The investigation revealed a significant ______ of security protocols at the research facility.
Correct!
The correct answer is: breach
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