burglar

UK: ˈbɜːɡlə | US: ˈbɜːrɡlər

Definition

  1. n. a person who illegally enters buildings to steal property

Structure
burg <town, fortress (from Old English *burg*) + lar<thief (from Latin *latro* via Old French *lere*)>
Etymology

The word "burglar" originates from the Old English burg (meaning "town" or "fortress") combined with the Latin-derived latro (thief), which passed through Old French as lere. Historically, it referred to thieves who targeted fortified towns or houses. Over time, the term evolved to specifically denote someone who breaks into buildings to steal.

Examples

  1. The burglar was caught on camera stealing jewelry from the house.

  2. Police arrested a suspected burglar after a neighborhood watch reported suspicious activity.

  3. She installed an alarm system to deter potential burglars.

  4. The burglar left fingerprints on the window he forced open.

  5. Witnesses described the burglar as wearing a black hoodie.