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breached
/briːtʃt/
violated or broken through
The company's database was breached by hackers.
Hackers illegally accessed the company's database.
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.
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
Related Phrases
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
suffixEnglish Dictionary