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Definition of housebreak

housebreak

/ˈhaʊs.breɪk/
house · break
Adjective:housebroken
•
Past Simple:housebroke
•
Past Participle:housebroken
•
Present Participle:housebreaking
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housebreak Lexical Profile

housebreak Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

North American To train a domestic pet, such as a dog or cat, to excrete outdoors or in a designated litter box rather than inside the home.

Example

"It took several weeks of consistent positive reinforcement to housebreak the new puppy."

2

To break into a house or other building with the intent of committing a crime such as theft or burglary.

Example

"The suspects were arrested after attempting to housebreak in a quiet residential neighborhood."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for housebreak

Word Nuance & Usage

In American English, 'housebreak' most commonly means to train a pet to excrete outdoors (corresponding to British English 'house-train'), whereas in British and legal contexts it can also mean to commit burglary by breaking into a house.

• Nearby Words

houseboat
housebound
houseboy
housebreak
housebreaker
housebreaking
housebroken

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Housebreak. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/housebreak
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