break in

/breɪk ɪn/

/breɪk ɪn/

Other forms: broke in; broken in; breaking in; breaks in

Definitions of break in

1. verb

   intrude on uninvited
   “The nosy couple broke in on our conversation”

   type of:

   intrude, irrupt

   enter uninvited
2. verb

   break into a conversation
   synonyms: barge in, butt in, chime in, chisel in, cut in, put in

   types:

   disrupt, interrupt

   interfere in someone else's activity

   cut in

   interrupt a dancing couple in order to take one of them as one's own partner

   cut short

   cause to end earlier than intended

   type of:

   break up, cut off, disrupt, interrupt

   make a break in
3. verb

   enter someone's (virtual or real) property in an unauthorized manner, usually with the intent to steal or commit a violent act
   synonyms: break

   types:

   crack

   gain unauthorized access computers with malicious intentions

   type of:

   intrude, trespass

   enter unlawfully on someone's property
4. verb

   break so as to fall inward
   “He broke in the door”

   types:

   stave in

   break in the staves (of)

   type of:

   break

   destroy the integrity of; usually by force; cause to separate into pieces or fragments
5. verb

   start in a certain activity, enterprise, or role
   type of:

   begin, commence, get, get down, set about, set out, start, start out

   take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
6. verb

   make submissive, obedient, or useful
   synonyms: break

   break

   be broken in

   type of:

   domesticate, domesticise, domesticize, reclaim, tame

   overcome the wildness of; make docile and tractable