Burglar: Definition, Usage & Key Examples

Meaning 1：person who steals (burglar)

burglar 🔊

/ˈbɜːrɡlər/

A person who enters a building illegally, usually with the plan to steal things.

Burglar definition illustrated: a figure picking a lock on a house door at night.

person who steals 🔊

➕

/ˈpɜːrsən huː stiːlz/

A person who unlawfully enters a building, typically a home, with the intent to commit theft.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'burgus' (fortified town) + 'latro' (robber, mercenary).

💡 Mnemonic

Burglar sounds like 'burgle' + 'ar' — one who burgles. Think of a person sneaking into a house at night.

📖 Example

We were on vacation when a burglar broke into our house and stole my laptop and some jewelry. 🔊 During our holiday, a person who steals illegally entered our home and took my laptop and some jewelry.

🔗 Collocations

cat burglar – A stealthy burglar who enters through upper stories.

burglar alarm – A security device that detects unauthorized entry.

convicted burglar – A person found guilty of burglary.

🔄 Synonyms

thief (n.) – A general term for someone who steals property.

robber (n.) – One who steals from a person or place, often using force or threat.

intruder (n.) – Someone who enters a place without permission.

🚫 Antonyms

law-abiding citizen (n.) – A person who obeys the laws.

security guard (n.) – A person employed to protect property from crime.

🌱 Derivatives

burglary (n.) – The crime of illegally entering a building to commit theft.

burglarize (v.) – To commit burglary in (a building).

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'burglar' specifically refers to one who breaks into a building to steal, often at night. It emerged in Middle English from the Anglo-Latin 'burglator'. Its legal distinction from robbery (theft with force or threat) is a key feature of English common law and modern criminal codes.