English Explanatory Dictionary

burglar

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A person who breaks in to premises with the intent of committing theft.
verb
  1. To commit burglary.

Pronunciation

/ˈbɜːɡlə(ɹ)/ /ˈbɝɡlɚ/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-burglar.wav

Word forms

burglar burglars burglaring burglared

Etymology

16th century, from Medieval Latin burglātor, British byform of burgātor (“burglar”), derived from burgō (“to commit burglary”), from Late Latin burgus (“fortified town”), itself probably from Frankish *burg (“fortress”), from Proto-Germanic *burgz, *burgiją (“borough, watch-tower”). The -l- in burglātor may have been inserted under influence from Latin latro (“thief”). The shortened English form may have arisen through confluence with Old French burgeor (“burglar”), itself from the same Latin source.

Synonyms

burglarizer housebreaker burglar cracksman drawlatch sneck lifter

Related words

bank robber robber thief

Derived words

antiburglar burglar alarm burglar bar burglaree burglarious burglarize burglarise burglarous burglarously burglarproof burglary burgle cat burglar cat-burglar gin burglar time burglar turd burglar
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