Effractor

/ɪˈfræktər/ noun

Definition

One who breaks in or forces entry; a burglar who gains entry by breaking something.

Etymology

From effraction + -or suffix, following Latin agent noun formation. A legal term for a person committing effraction, though 'burglar' has largely replaced it.

Kelly Says

Legal language loves these ancient Latin-derived terms—'effractor' sounds more formal and serious in a courtroom than 'burglar,' which is why criminal codes sometimes preserve these archaic words.

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