Quick answer
A breach is a break or a violation — a breach of contract, a breach in the wall. Breech refers to the rear part of something: the breech of a gun, a breech birth where the baby is positioned bottom-first. Violations take the A.
The core difference
A break or violation, and a word for the rear.
- breach — a break, gap or violation: breach of trust, data breach.
- breech — the rear part: breech-loading rifle, breech presentation.
The phrase from Shakespeare
"Once more unto the breach" — a gap forced in a defensive wall, which is the literal original sense. Almost every modern use is figurative: a breach of contract, of security, of the peace.
Breeches
Breeches — trousers reaching just below the knee — comes from the same rear-related root, and gives the phrase too big for his breeches. It is pronounced "britches", which is a further trap.
Frequently asked questions
Which spelling means a violation?
Breach, with the A — a breach of contract.
What is a breech birth?
One where the baby is positioned to be delivered bottom or feet first, using the rear sense of the word.
How are breeches pronounced?
"Britches", despite the spelling.
