burglar

/ˈbɜrɡlər/

Origin

From Anglo-Latin "burgulator", derived from Medieval Latin "burgulātor", from Late Latin "burgāre" (to break into), and Germanic "burg" (fortress, dwelling).

Meanings

1. (noun) A person who illegally enters buildings and steals things, especially at night

Examples

• The burglar broke in through the basement window.
• Police arrested the burglar after he triggered the home security alarm.
• The clever burglar managed to bypass the security system.

Related Words

Forms

• burgle (verb)
• burglary (noun) - the act of breaking in and stealing
• burgled (past tense)
• burgling (present participle)

Synonyms

• thief
• robber
• intruder
• prowler
• housebreaker

Memory Tricks

1. Think "BURG-LAR" = "Breaking Until Reaching Goods - Leaving After Robbery"
2. Associate with "burger" - just as a burger breaks into your mouth, a burglar breaks into buildings
3. Remember the phrase "Burglars Break Buildings"

Usage Notes

• Often used in the context of home invasions and theft
• Different from "robber" - a burglar typically avoids confrontation and steals secretly, while a robber may use force or threats