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breach

BREETCH /briːtʃ/

nounverbB2GRESATTOEFLIELTS

formallegalmilitary

An act of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code; a gap made in a wall, fortification, or line of defense.

Physical sense implies a forced gap created by assault; abstract sense implies a rupture in contract, trust, or security.

The story behind the word. From Old English 'brice' (a break or fracture), derived from Proto-Germanic '*brekan' (to break). It came into military usage in Middle English to describe physical gaps blasted through city walls.

Word relationships

rupture: Rupture implies bursting or tearing open, whereas breach implies creating a usable hole or violating a rule.
gap: Gap is a neutral term for an opening, lacking the connotation of violent breaking.

reinforcement: Strengthening or solidifying a defensive structure.
adherence: Faithful observance of a rule or agreement.

Commonly confused with

breech: Breach is a gap or violation; breech refers to the rear portion of a firearm or body.

Word family

unbreached (adjective): Not broken into or penetrated.

Collocations

breach of contract
breach of security
breach the walls
step into the breach

Idioms & expressions

step into the breach

Example sentences

"Artillery pounded the outer rampart until a wide breach appeared in the masonry." Siege warfare tactic
"The investigation confirmed a major security breach had exposed sensitive customer passwords." Data security

Memory hook

BREACH is a BREAK in the wall that REACHES through. A break or gap forced open.

When not to use

Do not confuse with 'breech' (the back part of a gun barrel or trousers).

Fun facts

The phrase 'step into the breach' originally meant taking the place of fallen soldiers standing in the physical gap of a broken wall.