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burglar — a person who illegally enters buildings and steals things

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a person who illegally enters buildings and steals things

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbɜːrɡlər/

Example Sentences

  • The burglar forgot to turn off his phone's flashlight and accidentally took a selfie while robbing the store.
  • Police installed security cameras to deter potential burglars from targeting the neighborhood.
  • The burglar got stuck in the chimney like a reverse Santa Claus and had to call the fire department for help.

burglar

NOUN

[/ˈbɜːrɡlər/]

a person who illegally enters buildings and steals things

A burglar tiptoes through a dark living room, stuffing silver into his sack.
💡 Concept

A burglar tiptoes through a dark living room, stuffing silver into his sack.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈbɜːrɡlər/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈbɜːɡlə(r)/

🌳Etymology

Rootburg
Suffix--lar

Origin

The word derives from Medieval Latin burgator, which comes from burgus, meaning a fortified town or castle. Originally, it referred to a person who breaks into or enters a fortified dwelling or town unlawfully.

Breakdown

burgus (fortified town/castle) + -ator (agent suffix, one who performs an action) = burgator, which evolved into the English burglar.

🎵Rhyme

popular
icular
acular

🔗Collocations

cat burglar
burglar alarm
catch a burglar
burglar breaks in
professional burglar
burglar-proof

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The burglar forgot to turn off his phone's flashlight and accidentally took a selfie while robbing the store.”

“Police installed security cameras to deter potential burglars from targeting the neighborhood.”

😄 Fun example

“The burglar got stuck in the chimney like a reverse Santa Claus and had to call the fire department for help.”

“Modern burglars often target electronic devices and jewelry that are easy to resell.”

📚Related Words

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