Word

breach

noun C1

UK /ˈbɹiːt͡ʃ/

US /ˈbɹit͡ʃ/

Meanings

noun

a failure to obey a law, rule, agreement, or duty

noun

a gap or opening made by breaking through a wall, fence, or barrier

verb

to break or go against a law, rule, agreement, or duty

Definition

A breach is a failure to follow a rule, agreement, or duty.

A breach is an act of breaking a law, rule, promise, or formal agreement. It can also mean a break or opening in a wall, fence, or other barrier. In everyday and professional contexts, it often describes a serious lapse in required behavior or security.

Examples

The committee treated the breach of confidentiality as a serious matter and revised its procedures immediately.
I reported the breach as soon as I noticed unusual access patterns in the system logs.
She refused to ignore the breach of the code of conduct, even though it made the discussion uncomfortable.
They investigated the breach thoroughly and shared a clear timeline with everyone affected.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse breach with break and say "breach the glass" instead of using break for physically smashing something.