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Breach Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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breach

[briหtสƒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

insecurity

An act of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct.

Synonyms

infraction, transgression, violation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
breach

Used when referring to breaking a law, agreement, or rule. It often has legal implications and is common in formal and official contexts.

  • The company was sued for breach of contract.
  • Any breach of the peace will be dealt with severely.
violation

A general term that applies to breaking laws, rules, or agreements. It can be used in a variety of contexts, both formal and informal. Often implies a negative connotation.

  • Her actions were a clear violation of company policy.
  • Environmental violations could lead to severe penalties.
infraction

Typically used to denote minor offenses or violations, especially related to rules or laws. It is relatively less severe compared to 'breach' and often used in legal and formal contexts.

  • The traffic infraction resulted in a small fine.
  • Students were reprimanded for infractions of school policies.
transgression

Conveys a moral or ethical violation, often used in religious or philosophical settings. It implies a serious breach of moral or ethical codes.

  • He asked for forgiveness for his transgressions.
  • The novel explores themes of guilt and transgression.

Examples of usage

  • The data breach compromised millions of users' personal information.
  • The company was fined for the breach of environmental regulations.
Context #2 | Noun

security

A gap in a wall, barrier, or defense, especially one made by an attacking army.

Synonyms

gap, hole, opening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
breach

Used when referring to a violation or breaking through a barrier, such as in security, law, or physical structures.

  • There was a security breach at the company
  • The breach in the dam caused flooding
opening

Indicates a way in or out of something, or the start of an event or period. More neutral and versatile than 'hole' or 'gap'.

  • They are looking for an opening in the market
  • The ceremony marked the opening of the new school
gap

Refers to an empty space or interval, often between two objects or points in time. It can imply something is missing or incomplete.

  • Mind the gap between the train and the platform
  • There's a significant gap in her knowledge
hole

Describes an opening or cavity in a surface or substance. Often implies something is damaged or missing.

  • He accidentally punched a hole in the wall
  • We need to fix the hole in the roof

Examples of usage

  • The breach in the castle wall allowed the enemy to enter.
  • The breach in the security system was quickly identified and fixed.
Context #3 | Verb

security

Make a gap in and break through (a wall, barrier, or defense).

Synonyms

break through, penetrate, perforate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
breach

Used typically in formal, legal, or military contexts to describe a violation, gap, or breaking of an agreement or barrier.

  • The company was fined for a data breach that compromised sensitive information.
  • The army managed to breach the enemy's defenses.
penetrate

Often used to describe entering or passing through something, such as materials, markets, or groups. Can have a formal or technical tone.

  • The drill can penetrate even the hardest materials.
  • The company aims to penetrate the European market.
break through

Commonly used to describe overcoming an obstacle or barrier, often in physical, emotional, or scientific contexts.

  • The researchers broke through many challenges to develop the new vaccine.
  • She finally broke through her fear of public speaking.
perforate

Usually refers to creating holes or punctures, specifically in materials like paper or metal. The tone is technical and precise.

  • Please perforate the edges of the paper before binding.
  • The bullet perforated the steel plate.

Examples of usage

  • The invaders breached the fortress walls.
  • The hackers managed to breach the firewall of the network.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal terms, a breach often refers to a violation of a legal duty, such as breaking a contract.
  • Breaches can result in various consequences, such as fines or changes in legal agreements to make things right.

Technology

  • A 'data breach' refers to unauthorized access to sensitive data, often leading to identity theft.
  • High-profile data breaches have cost companies millions and caused significant distrust among customers.

Literature

  • In literature, breaches are often depicted as significant plot points, such as in tragedies where characters face consequences from broken trust.
  • Shakespeare frequently explored themes of breach in relationships, illustrating how betrayal can change lives.

Military History

  • In military terms, a 'breach' refers to an opening made in enemy defenses, allowing troops to penetrate.
  • Historical sieges often centered around breaches in walls, leading to significant battles after the defenses were broken.

Origin of 'breach'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'breach' comes from the Old English 'brec', meaning 'to break'.
  • Through time, the term has evolved to represent not just physical breaks, but also violations of laws or agreements.

The word 'breach' originated in Middle English from the Old English word 'bryce', meaning a breaking or fracture. It has been used since the 12th century to refer to a gap or opening, especially in a wall or defense. Over time, 'breach' has also come to signify a violation or failure to observe a law or agreement. The concept of breaching barriers has been a part of human history, from breaches in physical fortifications to breaches in data security.

See also: breaches, breaching.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,610, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.