Burglarized vs. Burgled – Which is Correct?
The choice between burglarized and burgled primarily depends on geographical preference. While both are grammatically correct past tense forms of the verb meaning to commit a burglary, burglarized is the standard and preferred term in American English. Burgled is more commonly used in British English contexts.
Burglarized or Burgled – Which is Correct?
The distinction between “burglarized” and “burgled” is a classic example of a transatlantic linguistic difference. Both words correctly describe the act of entering a building illegally with the intent to commit a crime, particularly theft. However, their usage is largely dictated by region.
In American English, the verb “to burglarize” is the standard form, making “burglarized” its past tense and past participle. This is the overwhelmingly preferred term in the United States and Canada. Conversely, in British English, the verb “to burgle” is more common, leading to “burgled” as its past tense and past participle. While “burglarize” is understood in the UK, “burgle” is generally favored.
For most American English speakers and writers, “burglarized” is the appropriate and expected choice. Using “burgled” in an American context might sound unusual or distinctly British to some ears.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burglarized | Verb (Past Tense/Participle) | Entered a building illegally with intent to commit a crime; stolen from a property. (American English) | “Their house was burglarized while they were on vacation.” |
| Burgled | Verb (Past Tense/Participle) | Entered a building illegally with intent to commit a crime; stolen from a property. (British English) | “The antique shop was burgled last night, and several valuable items were taken.” |
How to Use Burglarized
The verb “to burglarize” means to enter a building unlawfully with the intent to commit a felony, typically theft. “Burglarized” is the past tense and past participle form of this verb. It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object, often referring to the place that was unlawfully entered. Its usage is straightforward and common in American English for both formal and informal contexts.
Example 1: The museum was burglarized over the weekend, resulting in the loss of several priceless artifacts.
Example 2: She reported that her apartment had been burglarized while she was at work.
Example 3: After the store was burglarized for the third time, the owner decided to install a new security system.
What are the different forms of Burglarized?
The verb “to burglarize” follows a regular conjugation pattern in English:
- Base Form: burglarize
- Present Tense (singular): burglarizes (He burglarizes homes)
- Present Participle: burglarizing (They are burglarizing the store)
- Past Tense: burglarized (The house was burglarized)
- Past Participle: burglarized (It had been burglarized before)
The noun form associated with this act is “burglary,” and the person who commits the act is a “burglar.”
Etymology of the word Burglarized
The word “burglarize” is a back-formation from the noun “burglar.” “Burglar” itself entered English from Anglo-French “burgler” or “burglaire” in the late 16th century, which derived from Medieval Latin “burgulator,” meaning “housebreaker.” The suffix “-ize,” which forms verbs from nouns or adjectives, was added in American English in the late 19th century to create “burglarize,” providing a direct verb for the action of a burglar.
Related Concepts
Understanding the distinction between “burglarized” and “burgled” often involves appreciating the nuances of verb usage and regional variations. A closely related concept is the difference between the verb “to burglarize” and the noun “burglary.” A burglary is the act itself—the crime of illegally entering a building with intent to commit an offense. “To burglarize” is the action performed by the burglar. For instance, “The burglary occurred last night” versus “The house was burglarized last night.” It’s also important to note that the verb is typically used in the passive voice when the building is the subject (e.g., “The house was burglarized”), as the perpetrator is often unknown or not the focus. When the perpetrator is known, the active voice can be used (e.g., “The burglar burglarized the house”), though this is less common.
Just as with ‘burglarized’ and ‘burgled,’ careful attention to context is crucial for other word pairs like robed versus robbed.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “Detectives are investigating after a home in the affluent neighborhood was burglarized early Tuesday morning.” – Local News Report
- “The plot of the novel revolves around a cunning thief who successfully burglarized several high-security art galleries.” – Literary Review
- “I came home to find my front door ajar; I immediately knew my apartment had been burglarized.” – Personal Account
- “The security firm guarantees that properties protected by their system will never be successfully burglarized.” – Advertisement
- “In the movie, a group of teenagers inadvertently burglarized the wrong mansion, leading to a series of comedic mishaps.” – Film Synopsis
Burglarized Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Robbed | Took property unlawfully from a person or place, often with force or threat of force. (Broader than burglarize, can apply to people or places) |
| Plundered | Stole goods from a place or person, typically using force and in a time of war or civil disorder. |
| Looted | Stole goods, typically during a war, riot, or other public disturbance. |
| Raided | Made a sudden assault on an enemy or target, often to steal or cause damage. |
| Broke into | Entered a building or place unlawfully, typically by force. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “burgled” ever acceptable in American English?
While “burgled” is widely understood, it is not the standard or preferred term in American English. Using “burglarized” is almost always the better choice for an American audience, as “burgled” sounds distinctly British.
Question 2: What is the difference between “burglarize” and “rob”?
“To burglarize” specifically refers to illegally entering a building with the intent to commit a crime, usually theft. “To rob” generally refers to taking property from a person or place by force or threat of force. You can rob a person on the street, but you burglarize a house.
Question 3: Does “burglarized” imply violence?
“Burglarized” does not inherently imply violence. It refers to the unlawful entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime. While a burglary can escalate to violence if occupants are present, the act of burglarizing itself is about the unlawful entry and theft, not necessarily harm to a person.
Conclusion
When faced with the choice between “burglarized” and “burgled,” remember that geographical context is key. For American English speakers and writers, burglarized is the correct and widely accepted term for describing the past act of committing a burglary. While “burgled” is a valid word, its usage is characteristic of British English. Opting for “burglarized” ensures clarity and adherence to standard American English conventions.
Pro Tip: In professional or academic writing, always default to the regionally appropriate term. Using “burglarized” in an American context will help maintain your credibility and ensure your message is received as intended without linguistic distractions.
