breach

BREACH, noun 1. The act of breaking; or state of being broken; a rupture; a break; a gap; the space between the severed parts of a solid body parted by violence; as a breach in a garment, or in a wall. 2. The violation of a law; the violation or non-fulfillment of a contract; the non-performance of a moral duty; non-performance of duty being a breach of obligation, as well as a positive transgression or violation. Every breach of the public engagements is hurtful to public credit. 3. An opening in a coast. [Not usual.] 4. Separation between friends by means of enmity; difference; quarrel. 5. Infraction; injury; invasion; as a breach upon kingly power. 6. Bereavement; loss of a friend and its consequent affliction. 7. A violation of the public peace, as by a riot, affray, or any tumult which is contrary to law, and destructive to the public tranquillity, is called a breach of the peace. BREACH, verb transitive To make a breach or opening.