Breach vs. breech

What does breach mean?

Breach can be a noun or a verb. The noun means the act of breaking a law or agreement, or a gap in the wall or barrier. The verb means to break something or to break through.

For example:

• This is a clear breach of the code of conduct (breaking an agreement).

• There’s a breach in their defences.

• Let us breach the compound walls (verb).

What does breech mean?

Breech can be a noun or an adjective meaning the lower part of something or the back part of a rifle or gun barrel. As an adjective, breech refers to a breech birth (where a foetus has its legs rather than head nearest to the cervix).

For example:

• Recent studies have shown that breech presentation has increased in the past five years.

What’s the difference between breach and breech?

Breach means the act of breaking a law or agreement, a gap in a barrier or to break something. Breech, on the other hand, means the lower part of something or a breech birth.

• The doctor’s actions during the breech delivery were a clear breach of the hospital’s policies.