break seal

• Ouvrir ou briser physiquement un sceau sur un conteneur, un document ou un emballage pour la première fois, ou métaphoriquement initier quelque chose qui était auparavant fermé ou restreint.

To open or break a physical seal on a container, document, or package for the first time, or metaphorically to initiate something that was previously closed or restricted.

1. Open a sealed containerB1formal

   To break or remove a seal that keeps something closed, often for the first time.

   briser le sceau

   • Do not break the seal on the medicine bottle until you are ready to use it.
   • He broke the seal on the envelope and read the letter.
   • The technician broke the seal to access the internal components.

2. Violate a legal or official closureB2formal

   To open or access something that has been officially closed or sealed by authority.

   briser le sceau

   • The court ordered that no one should break the seal on the evidence room.
   • Breaking the seal on a sealed contract can have legal consequences.
   • The inspector broke the seal to inspect the safety equipment.