violator
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /vaɪəlˈeɪtə/
US
- /ˈvaɪəˌleɪtər/
Description
- Rule-breaker
- offender
- lawbreaker
- person who breaks rules
- person who breaks the law
A violator is not someone who simply disagrees with the rules. It is someone who breaks them. Think of a speed limit sign on the highway: a person driving far over the limit is a violator, breaking the law and risking a ticket. The word clearly suggests wrongdoing and is used for someone who goes against laws, rules, or agreements. A person can be a violator of a noise ordinance by throwing a loud party late at night, or of a contract by failing to do what they promised. It is not only used for serious crimes; even parking illegally can make someone a violator.
The word "violator" refers to a person or organization that breaks a law, rule, agreement, or standard. It implies going beyond acceptable boundaries. While "breaker" or "offender" are similar in meaning, "violator" often sounds more formal and is commonly used when specific rules are in place and have been deliberately ignored.
You'll frequently encounter "violator" in legal and regulatory contexts: a traffic violator receiving a speeding ticket, an environmental violator facing fines for pollution, or a treaty violator being sanctioned internationally. However, the word is not limited to the courtroom. A violator of social norms might be someone who constantly interrupts others, and a violator of company policy could be an employee who misuses company resources.
The term also applies to organizations and collective entities. For example, a corporation might be labeled a "repeat violator" of safety codes, or a nation might be called a violator of human rights. In these cases, the word highlights the party responsible for the breach of conduct.
It's important to note that being labeled a "violator" carries negative connotations; it suggests culpability and often leads to formal consequences. While everyone makes mistakes, a violator has crossed a specific line established by authority or mutual agreement. Whether it's a minor infraction or a serious crime, a violator is someone who steps outside the bounds of what is permitted.
Examples
- 1
Parking rules
Parking violators can be fined or have their cars towed.
- 2
First offense
First-time violators usually get a warning instead of a larger penalty.
- 3
Safety regulations
The factory was labeled a repeat violator of safety regulations.
Phrase
repeat violator
someone or something that breaks the same rule many times
- 4
Online rules
The website can suspend users who are serious violators of its community guidelines.
Pattern
violator of + law/rule/agreement
a person or group that breaks it
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- violatornoun
Forms
- violatorspluralnoun