breached

/briːtʃt/
verbIntermediate
⚖️Law
formal

To break through or violate a barrier, agreement, or security system.

The hackers breached the company's firewall.

The hackers illegally accessed the company's network by bypassing its security measures.

💡

Often used in legal or technical contexts to describe unauthorized access or violation of security.

⚖️Law
formal

To violate a contract, agreement, or trust.

The company breached the contract by failing to deliver the goods on time.

The company violated the terms of the contract by not delivering the goods as agreed.

💡

Used in legal contexts to describe a failure to uphold an agreement.

general

To break through a physical or metaphorical barrier.

The soldiers breached the enemy's defenses.

The soldiers broke through the enemy's defensive lines.

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Can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses.

Collocations

breach of contracta violation of a legal agreementbreach of securityan unauthorized access to a secure systembreach of trusta violation of someone's trust

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

breach of contractphrase
a violation of a legal agreement
breach of securityphrase
an unauthorized access to a secure system
breach of trustphrase
a violation of someone's trust

💡Pro Tip

Legal Context

In legal contexts, 'breached' often refers to violating a contract or agreement.

Technical Context

In technology, 'breached' refers to unauthorized access to a secure system.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

The meaning of 'breached' can vary significantly depending on the context, so pay attention to the field in which it is used.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'brechen' (to break), from Old English 'brecan'.

📝Usage Notes

The term is often used in legal and technical contexts to describe unauthorized access or violation of security. In everyday language, it can also describe breaking through a barrier or violating a trust.

Word Breakdown

breach
to break or violate
root
+
-ed
past tense or past participle
suffix
English Dictionary