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Burglar Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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burglar

[ˈbɜːrɡ.lər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

crime

A person who illegally enters buildings and steals things.

Synonyms

intruder, robber, thief.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
burglar

Used when referring to someone who breaks into buildings, especially homes, to steal things. It often implies stealth and planning.

  • The burglar entered the house through a window.
  • Alarm systems can help protect your home from burglars.
thief

A general term for someone who steals, without specifying how or from where. It doesn't imply confrontation or breaking into places.

  • The thief stole her wallet from the table.
  • Always keep an eye on your belongings to avoid thieves.
robber

Applies to someone who steals from people or places, often using force or threats. It can be used for situations involving direct confrontation.

  • The robber demanded money from the bank teller.
  • She was terrified when the robber pointed a gun at her.
intruder

Used to describe someone who enters a place without permission, not necessarily to steal. The term often implies an unwelcome or potentially dangerous presence.

  • The dog barked at the intruder in the backyard.
  • Surveillance cameras can help detect intruders.

Examples of usage

  • He was arrested for being a burglar.
  • The burglar broke into the house through the window.
  • They caught the burglar red-handed.
Context #2 | Noun

law

A person who commits burglary.

Synonyms

criminal, culprit, offender.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
burglar

This word is used to describe someone who breaks into houses or buildings to steal things. It is specific to the crime of burglary, which involves illegal entry.

  • The burglar snuck into the house in the middle of the night.
  • After the burglary, the family installed a security system to deter future burglars.
criminal

This is a broad term for anyone who has committed a crime. It can refer to people involved in any illegal activities without specifying the type of crime.

  • The police arrested the criminal after a lengthy investigation.
  • Being labeled a criminal can have long-lasting effects on a person's life.
offender

This term is used for someone who breaks the law or rules. It is commonly used in legal and formal contexts, often referring to those who have been caught and punished.

  • First-time offenders might receive a lighter sentence compared to repeat offenders.
  • Juvenile offenders are handled differently in the legal system.
culprit

This term is used to describe someone who is responsible for a crime or wrongdoing. It is often used when discussing who is to blame for a specific incident.

  • The detectives worked hard to find the culprit behind the robbery.
  • After the vase broke, they searched the room for the culprit.

Examples of usage

  • The police are searching for the burglar who stole from the store.
  • The burglar faces charges of breaking and entering.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Criminal Justice

  • Burglaries often occur at night when homes are most likely to be unoccupied.
  • In many places, burglary can be classified into different degrees based on the use of weapons or the presence of occupants.

Pop Culture

  • Burglar characters often appear in films and television, portrayed humorously in movies like 'Home Alone' where they encounter slapstick challenges.
  • The 'Black Mask' character in comic books is a notorious burglar who often faces off against superheroes.

Prevention

  • Installing security systems, outdoor lighting, and neighborhood watch programs are effective measures to prevent burglaries.
  • Research shows that homes without security measures are up to three times more likely to be targeted.

History

  • Historical records show that burglary has existed since ancient times, with laws against theft dating back to the Code of Hammurabi in Babylon around 1754 B.C.
  • In medieval England, punishment for being a burglar could include execution, highlighting the severity of the crime.

Origin of 'burglar'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'burglar' comes from the Middle English 'burglare', which is derived from 'burg' meaning 'fortress' and 'lar' meaning 'thief'.
  • The term became widely used in the 19th century when urban crime rates increased in cities.

The word 'burglar' originated in the 16th century from the Middle English word 'burgelar', which came from the Old French word 'burgier', meaning 'town dweller'. Over time, the term evolved to refer to someone who breaks into buildings to steal. Burglary has been a crime for centuries, with laws and penalties varying across different cultures and legal systems.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,317, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.