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breach

BREECH /briːtʃ/

nounverbC1GRETOEFLIELTS

formaltechnical

(noun) An act of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct. In cybersecurity, an unauthorized entry into a system. (verb) To make a gap in and break through (a wall, defense, or line).

In cybersecurity, a 'data breach' specifically refers to the unauthorized access to or disclosure of sensitive, protected, or confidential data. It's a critical failure of security measures.

The story behind the word. The word 'breach' has a long and robust history, stemming from the Old English word 'brecan,' meaning 'to break.' Imagine a knight trying to 'breach' the walls of a castle, or a river 'breaching' its banks. This sense of breaking through a barrier or violating a boundary is exactly what happens in a digital security breach. It's a forceful, unauthorized entry, just like breaking down a physical wall.

Word relationships

violation: A general term for breaking a rule or law.
infraction: A minor violation.
penetration: Specifically refers to gaining entry, often forcefully.

compliance: Adherence to rules or standards.
observance: The act of following a rule or custom.

Commonly confused with

leak: A 'leak' implies information escaping, often unintentionally or from an insider. A 'breach' is an unauthorized entry into a system, which may or may not result in a leak.

Word family

breached (adjective): Having been broken or violated.

Collocations

data breach
security breach
breach of contract
breach a firewall
report a breach

Idioms & expressions

breach of trust

Example sentences

"The company reported a major data breach that exposed millions of customer records." A news headline about a company's data.
"Any breach of the non-disclosure agreement will result in severe penalties." Discussing legal consequences.
"The enemy attempted to breach the fortress walls, but their efforts were repelled." Military strategy.

Memory hook

A 'BREACH' is a 'BREAK' in security, like a 'BREACH' in a wall. Break the Wall

When not to use

Avoid using 'breach' for minor, non-security-related infractions or simple errors. It implies a significant violation or penetration of a barrier.

Fun facts

The word 'breach' is also used in nautical contexts to describe waves breaking over the bow of a ship.
In legal terms, a 'breach of contract' is a failure to fulfill the terms of an agreement.