breeches
To break or fail to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct. It can also refer to the physical act of breaking through a wall, barrier, or defense.
Examples
3 of 5The river breaches its banks during the heavy spring rains.
The river flows over its edges during the heavy spring rains.
The corporation breaches the environmental regulations set by the state.
The company fails to follow the environmental rules established by the government.
He breaches the trust of his friends by sharing their private messages.
He breaks his friends' trust by showing others their private messages.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Break'—both 'Breach' and 'Break' start with 'Br' and mean that something is being broken (a law, a wall, or a promise).
Quick Quiz
The hacker __________ the company's firewall to steal sensitive customer data.
Correct!
The correct answer is: breaches
Examples
The river breaches its banks during the heavy spring rains.
everydayThe river flows over its edges during the heavy spring rains.
The corporation breaches the environmental regulations set by the state.
formalThe company fails to follow the environmental rules established by the government.
He breaches the trust of his friends by sharing their private messages.
informalHe breaks his friends' trust by showing others their private messages.
The pathogen successfully breaches the host's immune system defense.
academicThe germ manages to get past the protective system of the body.
If the contractor breaches the terms, the project will be terminated immediately.
businessIf the builder fails to follow the contract, the job will stop at once.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
breach of trust
an act of breaking a person's confidence
breach of contract
failure to do what was agreed in a legal document
breach of the peace
a legal term for noisy or violent public behavior
Often Confused With
Breeches (spelled with double 'e') are a type of short trousers, whereas 'breaches' (with 'ea') refers to breaking a rule or barrier.
Usage Notes
The verb is most commonly used in legal, technical, or military contexts to describe breaking a rule or a defensive line. It is a formal word; in casual conversation, people usually say 'break'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the spelling with 'breeches' (clothing). Additionally, they sometimes use 'breach' when they simply mean 'to disagree,' but it specifically requires a violation of a set rule or boundary.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Break'—both 'Breach' and 'Break' start with 'Br' and mean that something is being broken (a law, a wall, or a promise).
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French 'breche', meaning a gap or opening, which comes from a Germanic root meaning to break.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In English-speaking legal systems, 'breach of contract' is a fundamental concept used to resolve disputes in business and employment.
Quick Quiz
The hacker __________ the company's firewall to steal sensitive customer data.
Correct!
The correct answer is: breaches
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