01 n. The act of breaking, in a figurative sense.
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1.
The act of breaking, in a figurative sense.
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2.
Specifically: A breaking or infraction of a law, or of any obligation or tie; violation; non-fulfillment; as, a breach of contract; a breach of promise.
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3.
A gap or opening made made by breaking or battering, as in a wall or fortification; the space between the parts of a solid body rent by violence; a break; a rupture.“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more; Or close the wall up with our English dead.” — Shak.
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4.
A breaking of waters, as over a vessel; the waters themselves; surge; surf.“The Lord hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters.” — 2 Sam. v. 20.
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5.
A breaking up of amicable relations; rupture.“There's fallen between him and my lord An unkind breach.” — Shak.
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6.
A bruise; a wound.“Breach for breach, eye for eye.” — Lev. xxiv. 20.
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7.
A hernia; a rupture.(Med.)
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8.
A breaking out upon; an assault.“The Lord had made a breach upon Uzza.” — 1. Chron. xiii. 11.
Phrases & compounds
A clear breach —
implies that the waves roll over the vessel without breaking.
A clean breach —
implies that everything on deck is swept away.
Breach of falth —
a breaking, or a failure to keep, an expressed or implied promise; a betrayal of confidence or trust.
Breach of peace —
disorderly conduct, disturbing the public peace.
Breach of privilege —
an act or default in violation of the privilege or either house of Parliament, of Congress, or of a State legislature, as, for instance, by false swearing before a committee.
Breach of promise —
violation of one's plighted word, esp. of a promise to marry.
Breach of trust —
violation of one's duty or faith in a matter entrusted to one.
Syn.
Rent; cleft; chasm; rift; aperture; gap; break; disruption; fracture; rupture; infraction; infringement; violation; quarrel; dispute; contention; difference; misunderstanding.