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violator

C2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /vaɪəlˈeɪtə/

US

  • /ˈvaɪəˌleɪtər/

Description

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.

Examples

  1. 1

    Parking rules

    Parking violators can be fined or have their cars towed.

  2. 2

    First offense

    First-time violators usually get a warning instead of a larger penalty.

  3. 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. 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