Word Usage

Mary W. Ng

June 26, 2009

breach, breech

As a verb, breach means “to break through” or “to break a law”. Breech is a noun meaning “the buttocks”. Breeches is a plural noun meaning “old-fashioned trousers that end at the knee”.

Incorrect:The enemy easily breeched their defences.
Correct:The enemy easily breached their defences.
Incorrect:The ancient Celts wore breaches.
Correct:The ancient Celts wore breeches.