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Burgling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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burgling

[ˈbɜːrɡlɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

criminal activity

Burgling refers to the act of breaking into a building, typically a home, with the intent to commit theft. This activity is usually premeditated and involves unlawfully entering a property. Those who engage in burgling are often referred to as burglars. The crime can lead to serious legal consequences, including imprisonment. Burgling is distinct from robbery, as it does not involve direct confrontation with the victims.

Synonyms

breaking and entering, burglary, theft.

Examples of usage

  • The police caught him burgling a house at night.
  • She was terrified after learning about the burgling incident next door.
  • Burgling is a common issue in urban areas.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In medieval England, property was tightly controlled, leading to the rise of both common thieves and more sophisticated criminals.
  • Old English laws had specific punishments for robbery, signifying how seriously communities viewed theft.
  • The term gained legal specificity in the 18th century as laws began addressing the distinction between different types of theft.

Psychology

  • Research shows that motivations for burgling can be linked to social factors like economic hardship, thrill-seeking, or peer pressure.
  • Many burglars tend to rationalize their actions, seeing themselves as victims of circumstance rather than criminals.
  • Studies indicate that people often underestimate the psychological scars left on victims of theft, showing a disconnect in the perceived severity of the crime.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Home Alone' and 'Ocean's Eleven' romanticize burglary, often portraying thieves as clever protagonists.
  • The character of a burglar often appears in literature, representing cunning and moral ambiguity.
  • Famous heist movies have influenced public fascination with burglars, sometimes overshadowing the consequences of actual crime.

Prevention Technology

  • Modern homes use security systems with cameras and alarms designed to deter and detect illegal entries.
  • Smart home technology allows homeowners to monitor their property remotely, making it harder for potential burglars to succeed.
  • The rise of neighborhood watch programs highlights community efforts in collaboration with technology to prevent properties from being burgled.

Origin of 'burgling'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'burgle' is a blend of 'burglary' and 'Google,' suggesting the modern twist of researching vulnerabilities online.
  • It originated in the late 19th century, with 'burglar' derived from the Old French word 'burglar,' which means a thief.
  • The word reflects a common fear in society, evolving from simple theft to more organized crime in urban areas.

The term 'burgling' originates from the word 'burglary,' which itself is derived from the Middle English term 'burglen,' meaning to 'break into a dwelling.' This term can be traced back to the Old French word 'burgler,' which means 'to break into a house.' The Proto-Germanic roots imply connections with various terms across Germanic languages that refer to 'fortresses' or 'towns.' Over the centuries, the definition has evolved to specifically denote the act of breaking into a place for the purpose of theft without the presence of the occupants. The legal ramifications of burgling have also become more stringent as societies have sought to protect property rights; thus, it remains a significant issue in law enforcement and community safety discussions.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,457, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.