burglar
To enter a building or property illegally with the specific intent to commit a crime, typically theft. It describes the action performed by a burglar, focusing on the breach of a structure's security to steal assets.
Examples
3 of 5The thieves managed to burgle the house while the family was away on their summer vacation.
The criminals successfully broke into and stole from the home during the family's holiday.
The prosecution argued that the defendant intended to burglarize the warehouse to obtain high-value electronics.
The lawyers claimed the accused planned to break into the storage facility for expensive goods.
I'm terrified of getting burgled again after what happened last winter.
I am very scared that someone will break into my home again following the previous incident.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'Burglar' trying to 'Burgle' a 'Burger' from your kitchen—it helps you associate the person with the specific action of entering the house.
Quick Quiz
The investigation revealed that the gang planned to ___ several high-end apartments during the film festival.
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Examples
The thieves managed to burgle the house while the family was away on their summer vacation.
everydayThe criminals successfully broke into and stole from the home during the family's holiday.
The prosecution argued that the defendant intended to burglarize the warehouse to obtain high-value electronics.
formalThe lawyers claimed the accused planned to break into the storage facility for expensive goods.
I'm terrified of getting burgled again after what happened last winter.
informalI am very scared that someone will break into my home again following the previous incident.
Criminological data suggests that properties without visible security systems are more likely to be burgled.
academicResearch shows that houses lacking security are at a higher risk of being broken into.
The insurance company refused to pay out because the office was burgled while the alarm was deactivated.
businessThe insurer denied the claim because the break-in occurred while the security system was off.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
burgle someone blind
to steal almost everything of value from a person
caught burgling
discovered in the act of breaking and entering
burgled to the bare walls
to have every single item stolen from a property
Often Confused With
To 'rob' involves taking property from a person using force or threats, while to 'burgle' refers to illegal entry into a building to steal.
'Steal' is a general term for taking property; 'burgle' specifically requires the element of breaking into a structure.
Usage Notes
In British English, 'burgle' is the standard verb, whereas in American English, 'burglarize' is more commonly used. Both terms describe the same criminal act.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'they robbed my house' when no one was home; in precise English, it is better to say the house was 'burgled' if the focus is on the break-in.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'Burglar' trying to 'Burgle' a 'Burger' from your kitchen—it helps you associate the person with the specific action of entering the house.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'burgare' (to break into a town), coming from 'burgus' meaning a fortified town or borough.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many urban Western cultures, 'Neighborhood Watch' signs are posted to deter people from attempting to burgle homes.
Quick Quiz
The investigation revealed that the gang planned to ___ several high-end apartments during the film festival.
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
example
A1An example is a specific thing or person that shows what a group or a rule is like. It is used to help explain something more clearly so that others can understand it easily.
always
A1This word describes something that happens at all times or on every occasion. It is a frequency adverb used to talk about habits, permanent truths, or repeated actions.
result
A1A result is something that happens or exists because of something else that happened before. It is often used to describe the final score of a game, the grade on a test, or the outcome of a specific action.
reason
A1A reason is a cause or explanation for why something happens or why someone does something. It is the information that answers the question 'Why?'.
research
A1A detailed study of a subject, especially in order to discover (new) information or reach a (new) understanding. It involves gathering facts and data to test a theory or solve a problem.
girl
A1A female child or a young female person from birth until she reaches adulthood. It is also commonly used to refer to a daughter or, in informal settings, to a young woman.
food
A1Food refers to any substance consumed by living organisms to provide nutritional support for the body. It can be of plant, animal, or fungal origin and contains essential nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
moment
A1A very short period of time or a specific point in time. It is often used to ask someone to wait briefly or to describe a significant event occurring right now.
himself
A1A reflexive pronoun used as the object of a verb or preposition when the subject is a male person or animal previously mentioned. It is also used to emphasize that a specific man or boy did something personally or without help.
force
A1Force is the physical strength or energy that is used to push or pull an object. It can also refer to an organized group of people, such as the police or a military group.
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