breach

breach¹ W3 [bri:tʃ] n

[: Old English; Origin: bryce]

1.) [U and C]

an action that breaks a law, rule, or agreement

breach of

▪ This was a clear breach of the 1994 Trade Agreement.

▪ They sued the company for breach of contract .

▪ a breach of professional duty

be in breach of sth

▪ He was clearly in breach of the law.

2.)

a serious disagreement between people, groups, or countries

breach with

▪ Britain did not want to risk a breach with the US over sanctions.

breach between

▪ What had caused the sudden breach between Henry and his son?

▪ She wanted to help heal the breach between them.

3.) breach of confidence/trust

an action in which someone does something that people have trusted them not to do

▪ We regard the publication of this information as a serious breach of trust.

4.) breach of security

an action in which someone manages to learn secret information or manages to get into a place that is guarded

▪ There had been a major breach of security at the air base.

5.) breach of the peace

BrE the crime of making too much noise or fighting in a public place

▪ He was arrested and charged with breach of the peace.

6.)

a hole made in a wall that is intended to protect a place

breach in

▪ a breach in the castle wall

▪ a breach in the flood defence barrier

7.) step into the breach

to help by doing someone else's job or work when they are unable to do it

= ↑step in

▪ Thanks for stepping into the breach last week.

breach ²

breach² v [T]

1.) to break a law, rule, or agreement

= ↑break

▪ The company accused him of breaching his contract.

▪ Traders who breach the rules could face a fine of up to £10,000.

2.) to break a hole in a wall that is intended to protect a place

▪ The storm had breached the sea wall in two places.