Breach
/briːtʃ/noun
A break or rupture in a barrier, often used in legal contexts to describe a violation of duty or contract.
Did you know?In medieval times, a 'breach' was often associated with the breaking of oaths, which were considered binding as magical contracts between parties.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhrēg-
“to break, to shatter.”
Old English
OE
bryċe
“a break, rupture, or violation.”
Middle English
ME
breche
“a breach or gap, especially in a wall or defense.”
14th Century
Middle English
breche
“an act of breaking or violation, particularly in legal contexts.”
Modern English
English
breach
“a violation of a law, duty, or contractual obligation.”