The phrase "breaks law" is spelled with the letter "s" in "breaks" even though it is pronounced with a "z" sound. This is due to the rule in English that when "s" appears between two vowels, it is pronounced as a "z." The phonetic transcription for "breaks law" is /breɪks lɑː/. The "s" in "breaks" is pronounced as a "z" sound /z/, resulting in the phonetic transcription of /breɪks/. The "l" in "law" is pronounced with an open back unrounded vowel sound /lɑː/.
"Breaking the law" refers to the act of intentionally disregarding or violating the established rules, regulations, norms, or codes of conduct that are legally enforced within a particular society or jurisdiction. It involves engaging in activities or behaviors that have been explicitly prohibited by law, thereby resulting in legal consequences or liable penalties.
Breaking the law can encompass a wide range of illegal activities, ranging from minor offenses to severe criminal acts, depending on the nature and severity of the violation. Common examples of breaking the law include theft, assault, fraud, drug abuse, vandalism, and driving under the influence.
The consequences for breaking the law vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific offense committed. It can result in penalties such as fines, probation, community service, imprisonment, or even capital punishment, depending on the gravity of the offense and the applicable legal system.
The concept of breaking the law serves as a fundamental pillar in maintaining social order and ensuring the safety, well-being, and rights of all individuals within a society. By establishing laws that prohibit certain actions or behaviors, governing bodies seek to deter potential offenders and protect the common interests of the community. Breaking the law is generally seen as an undesirable and antisocial behavior, as it undermines the foundation of a just and lawful society.
The phrase "breaks law" does not have a specific etymology on its own, as it is a combination of two words that individually have separate origins.
The noun "law" can be traced back to the Old English word "lagu" and the Proto-Germanic root "lagam", both meaning "law" or "ordinance". These roots are related to the Old Norse "log" and the Gothic "lagis".
The verb "break" has its origins in the Old English word "brecan", which means "to separate" or "to fragment". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic root "brekanan", which carries similar meanings.
When these two words, "break" and "law", are combined to form the phrase "breaks law", it generally refers to someone violating or not adhering to the established legal rules and regulations.