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August 14, 2021 Word of the Day

break into /ˈbreɪk ˈɪntu/ phrasal verb
break into
/ˈbreɪk ˈɪntu/
phrasal verb

break into (something)

Trying to break into an empty house
Trying to break into an empty house
Definition of BREAK INTO

1 : to enter (a house, building, etc.) illegally and especially by using force

  • Someone tried to break into our house while we were away.

2 : to begin to do or have (something) suddenly

  • She broke into tears. [=she suddenly began to cry]

  • The audience broke into applause. [=the audience suddenly began applauding]

  • His face broke into a smile. [=he suddenly smiled]

  • The horse broke into a gallop. [=the horse suddenly began to gallop]

  • She broke into song. [=she suddenly began to sing]

3 : to enter or get started in (something, such as a profession)

  • I knew her when she was a young actress trying to break into show business.

4 : to interrupt (something)

  • The network broke into the program with a special news report.

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