breach
breach definition
breach (brēc̸h)
noun
- Obsolete a breaking or being broken
- a failure to observe the terms, as of a law or promise, the customary forms, etc.; violation; infraction
- an opening made by a breakthrough, as in a wall, line of defense, etc.
- a broken or torn place or part
- a breaking of waves over or upon a ship, sea wall, etc.
- a whale's leap clear of the water
- a break in friendly relations
Etymology: ME breche < OE bryce < brecan (see break); infl. by OFr breche < OHG brecha, of same orig.
transitive verb
- to make a breach in; break open or through
- to break or violate (a contract, covenant, etc.)
intransitive verb
to leap clear of the water: said of a whale
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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