breach
UK: briːtʃ | US: briːtʃ
n. an act of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct
n. a gap in a wall, barrier, or defense, especially one made by an attacking army
vt. to make a gap in and break through (a wall, barrier, or defense)
vt. to break (a law, agreement, or code of conduct)
The word "breach" originates from Old English bryce, which referred to the act of breaking or a fracture. Over time, it evolved into Middle English breche, retaining its core meaning of "a break" but expanding to include metaphorical breaks, such as violations of laws or agreements. The modern spelling "breach" reflects its French-influenced form, but the root brea- still ties back to its original sense of breaking. The word’s dual meaning—physical gaps and legal violations—highlights how language often bridges concrete and abstract concepts.
The company faced lawsuits for its breach of contract.
Soldiers stormed through the breach in the castle walls.
Hackers exploited a security breach to access sensitive data.
The whale’s breach startled the nearby boaters.
Failure to comply will constitute a breach of regulations.