English English Dictionary

The act of breaking, in a figurative sense.

Specifically: A breaking or infraction of a law, or of any obligation or tie; violation; non-fulfillment; as, a breach of contract; a breach of promise.

A gap or opening made made by breaking or battering, as in a wall or fortification; the space between the parts of a solid body rent by violence; a break; a rupture.

A breaking of waters, as over a vessel; the waters themselves; surge; surf.

A breaking up of amicable relations; rupture.

A bruise; a wound.

A hernia; a rupture.

A breaking out upon; an assault.

To make a breach or opening in; as, to breach the walls of a city.

To break the water, as by leaping out; -- said of a whale.