break in meaning and definition

BREAK IN verb

Definition of break in (verb)

1. enter someone's (virtual or real) property in an unauthorized manner, usually with the intent to steal or commit a violent act
   • "Someone broke in while I was on vacation"; "They broke into my car and stole my radio!"; "who broke into my account last night?"
   • synonyms: break
2. break into a conversation
   • "her husband always chimes in, even when he is not involved in the conversation"
   • synonyms: barge in, butt in, chime in, chisel in, cut in, put in
3. start in a certain activity, enterprise, or role
4. intrude on uninvited
   • "The nosy couple broke in on our conversation"
5. break so as to fall inward
   • "He broke in the door"
6. make submissive, obedient, or useful
   • "The horse was tough to break"; "I broke in the new intern"
   • synonyms: break