Legal Definitions - break

Definition: To violate or disobey a law, nullify a will by court proceeding, escape from a place of confinement without permission, or open a door, gate, etc. and step through illegally.

• He was arrested for breaking the law by driving under the influence of alcohol.
• The disinherited son successfully broke the will in court.
• The prisoners managed to break out of prison by digging a tunnel.
• The thief broke the close and entered the house illegally.

These examples illustrate different ways in which the term "break" can be used to describe actions that violate rules or laws. In the first example, breaking the law refers to driving while intoxicated, which is illegal. In the second example, breaking the will means to nullify it through a legal process. The third example shows how prisoners can break out of confinement without permission, which is also illegal. Finally, the fourth example demonstrates how someone can break into a building by opening a door or gate illegally.