breaking and entering
A crime in which a person forcibly gains access to a home or building without authorization. The man was only charged with breaking and entering because he didn't commit any further crimes once inside the building.
breaking and entering
the crime of forcing one's way into a place. (A criminal charge.) Wilbur was charged with four counts of breaking and entering. It was not an act of breaking and entering. The thief just opened the door and walked right in.
ˌbreaking and ˈentering
the act of getting into a building illegally by breaking a window, etc: Although they hadn’t stolen anything, they were still found guilty of breaking and entering.