breach of the peace

noun phrase

: a charge of making a lot of noise or behaving violently in public : disorderly conduct
He was fined for committing a breach of the peace.

Examples of breach of the peace in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Given the significant breach of the peace caused by the incident, the individual was charged with disorderly conduct, the report stated. Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026 The exhibit honors the bold decision of the Friendship 9 to refuse bail, after arrests for trespassing and breach of the peace. Jasmine Bourdeau-Stodghill, Miami Herald, 19 Mar. 2026 His convictions include charges of breach of the peace, resisting arrest, engaging police in pursuits, narcotics possession, larceny, burglary and motor vehicle offenses. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 22 Apr. 2025 In Arizona, legislators are free from arrest and questioning in all cases except for treason, felony and breach of the peace, starting 15 days before the legislature convenes and lasting throughout the session. arkansasonline.com, 25 Nov. 2024 According to the Texas Penal Code, disorderly conduct includes the making of an offensive gesture or display in a public place, and the gesture or display tends to incite an immediate breach of the peace. Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 12 Feb. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Breach of the peace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breach%20of%20the%20peace. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Legal Definition

breach of the peace

1
: a disturbance of public peace or order
insulting language causing a breach of the peace
see also fighting words
2
: the offense of causing a breach of the peace compare disorderly conduct
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