I. breach 1 /briːtʃ/ BrE AmE noun
[ Language: Old English ; Origin: bryce ]
1 . [uncountable and countable] an action that breaks a law, rule, or agreement
breach of
This was a clear breach of the 1994 Trade Agreement.
They sued the company for breach of contract.
a breach of professional duty
be in breach of something
He was clearly in breach of the law.
2 . [countable] a serious disagreement between people, groups, or countries
breach with
Britain did not want to risk a breach with the US over sanctions.
breach between
What had caused the sudden breach between Henry and his son?
She wanted to help heal the breach between them.
3 . breach of confidence/trust an action in which someone does something that people have trusted them not to do:
We regard the publication of this information as a serious breach of trust.
4 . breach of security an action in which someone manages to learn secret information or manages to get into a place that is guarded:
There had been a major breach of security at the airbase.
5 . breach of the peace British English the crime of making too much noise or fighting in a public place:
He was arrested and charged with breach of the peace.
6 . [countable] a hole made in a wall that is intended to protect a place
breach in
a breach in the castle wall
7 . step into the breach to help by doing someone else’s job or work when they are unable to do it SYN step in :
Thanks for stepping into the breach last week.
II. breach 2 BrE AmE verb [transitive]
1 . to break a law, rule, or agreement SYN break :
The company accused him of breaching his contract.
2 . to break a hole in a wall that is intended to protect a place:
The storm had breached the sea wall in two places.