Breach

Noun

Definition: An act of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct.

Definition: A gap in a wall, barrier, or defense, especially one made by an attacking army.

Synonyms: Violation, Infraction, Transgression

Antonyms: Compliance, Observance, Adherence

Examples:

The company was sued for breach of contract.
The breach in the wall allowed the enemy to attack.

Mnemonics:

"Breach" sounds like "break," which relates to breaking a law or breaking a physical barrier.

Verb

Definition: Make a gap in and break through (a wall, barrier, or defense).

Definition: Break or fail to observe (a law, agreement, or code of conduct).

Synonyms: Violate, Infringe, Transgress

Antonyms: Uphold, Observe, Comply

Examples:

The intruders breached the security system.
The employee breached the confidentiality agreement.

Mnemonics:

Picture someone breaking through a wall, symbolizing breaching.

Etymology:

Origin:

Old English 'brecan', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'breken' and German 'brechen'.

Historical Usage:

The word has maintained its meaning of breaking or failing to observe since its origin, often used in legal contexts.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Breach of trust"

Explanation:

A betrayal or failure to fulfill a duty or responsibility.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "beach" with "breach".

Explanation:

"Beach" refers to a landform by the ocean, while "breach" means a break or failure to observe something. They are different words with different meanings and pronunciations.