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break into

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break into something

to begin to perform or utter suddenly, especially with song, speech, chattering, tears, etc. Suddenly, she broke into song. As soon as the movie started, the people behind me broke into loud chattering.

See also: break

break into something

1. to begin suddenly to do something Then he broke into a run and we just couldn't catch him. Onishi broke into sobs and covered his eyes with a handkerchief. Related vocabulary: burst into something

2. to enter a place by using force His apartment has been broken into twice, even though he had good locks on the door.

3. to interrupt something Fanny's low voice broke into Nancy's pleasant thoughts.

4. to illegally get access to a computer system Spies have been trying to break into the army's computers for years, but no one has stolen any important data yet.

5. to divide something into smaller pieces For the next basketball season there will be 24 teams broken into four divisions.

See also: break

break into

1. Make a forcible entry into, as in The alarm went off as soon as they tried to break into the house. [1300s] Also see break in, def. 1.

2. Interrupt, as in I couldn't help but break into your conversation. [Mid-1600s]

3. Suddenly begin some activity, as in Without warning she broke into tears. Also see under burst into.

4. Enter or be admitted to an occupation or profession, as in Without connections it is virtually impossible to break into acting. [Late 1800s]

See also: break

break into

v.

1. To enter some place forcibly: Someone broke into our house while we were gone and stole our TV.

2. To access a computer or computer network illegally or maliciously: We believe spies are breaking into the government's computer files.

3. To interrupt something: I'm sorry that I have to break into your nap, but it's important that I speak to you now.

4. To begin to do something suddenly: The horse broke into a wild gallop. The upset child broke into a flood of tears.

5. To enter some established profession or field of activity: The young writer broke into journalism right after college.

See also: break