an act of breaking a law, promise, agreement, or relationship

They felt that our discussions with other companies constituted a breach of/in our agreement. 他们认为我们与别的公司谈判违反了我们之间的协定。

He was sued for breach of contract. 他因为违反合同而被起诉。

There have been serious security breaches (= breaks in our security system). 安全体系出了大问题。

(an example of) illegal noisy or violent behaviour in a public place

Ten percent of this group were in persistent trouble for minor breaches of the peace.

This, she said, constituted a serious breach of the peace.

Five other people have been reported for alleged breach of the peace offences.

He was arrested to prevent a further breach of the peace.

UK At Coventry magistrates court she admitted breach of the peace and was bound over in the sum of £300 to keep the peace for one year.

to be breaking a particular law or rule

The theatre was in breach of the safety laws for having no fire doors. 由于没有消防门，这家剧院违反了安全法规。

We were informed that we were in breach of our contractual arrangements.

I'm afraid we cannot disclose the sum as doing so would be in breach of our agreement with the client.

The council had been warned that it was in breach of its obligations to children.

The club had previously claimed that he was in breach of the obligations of his 2020 contract.

a hole that is made in a wall or in another structure being used for protection during an attack

A cannon ball had made a breach in their castle walls. 一颗炮弹在他们城堡的墙上打出了一个缺口。

Compare: chink noun (CRACK)cleftcrack noun (NARROW SPACE)crannycrevicefissuregap (HOLE)interstice opening noun (HOLE)slit nounslot noun (LONG HOLE)

to break a law, promise, agreement, or relationship

They breached the agreement they had made with their employer. 他们违反了曾与雇主达成的协议。

to make an opening in a wall or fence, especially in order to attack someone or something behind it

Their defences were easily breached. 他们的防线轻而易举就被突破了。