burglarize

Break in criminally

To burglarize is to break into a building to commit a crime, typically theft: Their house was burglarized while they were on vacation.

The word is American English; British English prefers burgle.

Both verbs derive from burglar rather than the other way around.

method

break-in

Unlawful entry to premises

lockpickLock-opening implement
jimmySmall prying bar
crowbarMetal prying lever

surveillance · casing · doorjamb · balaclava · gloves · flashlight · nighttime · getaway · lookout · accomplice

crime

felony

Serious criminal offense

larcenyUnlawful taking of goods
trespassUnauthorized entry onto property
robberyTheft through intimidation

criminal · arrest · conviction · prosecution · sentence · charges · suspect · perpetrator · accomplice · probation

intrusion

trespass

Unauthorized entry onto property

invadeEnter by force
violateBreak a rule deliberately
encroachAdvance beyond proper limits

penetrate · breach · prowl · snoop · unwelcome

target

home

One's personal residence

residencePlace one inhabits
houseResidential building
apartmentRented unit in building

dwelling · business · store · warehouse · office · property · premises · valuables · jewelry · electronics

Categories

theftstealing, larceny, steal, robbery, shoplifting
emptyingempty, drain, pump out, clean out, clear out

Opposites

property transfer direction

burglarizegive

To transfer possession

donate · bestow · gift · return · restore

legality of property acquisition

burglarizepurchase

Goods obtained for payment

buy · inherit · receive · earn

protection vs. violation of property

burglarizesecure

Protected from harm

protect · safeguard · fortify · guard · lock up

Family

burglarized, burglarizing, burglarizes, burglarise, burglarised, burglarising

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Known to kids · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG