break-in
UK[ˈbreɪk ɪn]US[ˈbreɪk ɪn]
n
An illegal forced entry into a building or vehicle, typically to steal something.
n
A period of initial use or operation of something new to make sure it works properly.
Morpheme Breakdown
break
in
break
to separate into pieces
in
into a position or state
Etymology
The compound noun 'break-in' is a modern formation derived from the phrasal verb 'to break in'. The verb 'break' has ancient roots, tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root bʰreg-, which conveyed the core meaning of breaking. This concept passed into Proto-Germanic and Old English, retaining its sense of forcible separation. The particle 'in', from the PIE root en, denotes entry or penetration into a space or state. Combined, the literal action of 'breaking one's way into' a secured space logically gave rise to the noun's primary meaning of an illegal forced entry. A secondary, more abstract meaning developed by analogy, referring to the initial period of using a new machine or system to overcome its initial stiffness or problems, as if 'forcing' it into a proper state of operation.
Analysis
Structure: break (to separate into pieces) + in (into a position or state)
- break: From Old English brecan (to break, shatter, burst), from Proto-Germanic brekaną, from Proto-Indo-European bʰreg- (to break). Functions as a verb root.
- in: From Old English in (in, into, within), from Proto-Germanic in, from Proto-Indo-European en (in). Functions as an adverbial particle.
Examples
The police were called to investigate a break-in at the jewelry store.
Before a long road trip, it's wise to give your new car a proper break-in.
The documentary featured an interview with a former burglar discussing his first break-in.