'rule-breaking' originates from the combination of 'rule' and 'break,' where 'rule' meant 'a prescribed guide for conduct or action' and 'break' meant 'to separate into parts with suddenness or violence.'

'rule-breaking' evolved from the Old English word 'rēol' for 'rule' and 'brecan' for 'break,' eventually forming the modern English term 'rule-breaking.'

Initially, it meant 'to break a physical object,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'violating established rules.'