HOUSEBREAKER

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does housebreaker mean? 

• HOUSEBREAKER (noun)
  The noun HOUSEBREAKER has 2 senses:

1. a burglar who unlawfully breaks into and enters another person's house

2. a wrecker of houses

  Familiarity information: HOUSEBREAKER used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• HOUSEBREAKER (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A burglar who unlawfully breaks into and enters another person's house

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Synonyms:

cat burglar; housebreaker

Hypernyms ("housebreaker" is a kind of...):

burglar (a thief who enters a building with intent to steal)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A wrecker of houses

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Synonyms:

housebreaker; housewrecker

Context example:

in England a housewrecker is called a housebreaker

Hypernyms ("housebreaker" is a kind of...):

wrecker (someone who demolishes or dismantles buildings as a job)

 Context examples 

Now suppose that you were, in truth, the owner of that house, and could not still get it; and think there was to you no conscience of the housebreaker, what would you do?

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)