WordGarden.ioviolate
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /vˈaɪəleɪt/
US
- /ˈvaɪəleɪt/
Meanings
Verb
to break or fail to respect a law, rule, agreement, or legal right
to intrude on someone's privacy or dignity, or desecrate something held inviolable
to rape someone
Beyond the definition
To violate something is to go against it, whether that is a rule, a law, an agreement, or someone's boundaries. Imagine a place that should be respected; to violate it would be to treat it in a deeply wrong way. You might violate the terms of a contract if you do not do what you promised. A person's privacy or personal boundaries can also be violated. The word suggests crossing a line that should not be crossed, and it often carries a serious sense of harm or disrespect.
The word "violate" means to break or fail to comply with a law, agreement, principle, or standard. It suggests an act of transgression, going beyond what is permitted or expected. While it is often associated with legal contexts, such as violating a restraining order or violating traffic laws, it extends far beyond that.
You can violate someone's privacy by reading their diary without permission, or violate another person's rights by ignoring clear limits. The word implies harm to something considered protected, important, or deserving of respect. The seriousness of the act can range from a minor breach to a serious crime.
Historically, "violate" comes from the Latin word "violare," meaning "to do violence to." This root reveals the core idea behind the word: an act that inflicts harm or disrespect upon something valued. It's a strong term often used in situations involving ethics, morality, and legal consequences.
So whether it is breaking a rule, betraying trust, invading privacy, or committing a crime, violate signifies crossing a boundary in a way that brings harm, disrespect, or serious consequences.
Examples
- 1
Traffic law
Drivers who violate the speed limit can lose their license.
- 2
Workplace rules
The company was fined for violating workplace safety rules.
- 3
Privacy
Posting her medical records online violated her privacy.
- 4
Human rights
The report said the soldiers had violated basic human rights.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
War agreement
Both sides accused each other of violating the ceasefire.
- 6
Personal boundary
After he read her private messages, she said she felt violated.
- Phrasefeel violated
feel that someone crossed a very personal boundary
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- violate the law
- violate a rule
- violate human rights
- violate an agreement
Word family
Explore
- noncompliance
- legal liability
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- violateverb
Forms
- violatedpast tenseverb
- violating-ing formverb
- violatesverb