verb

violate

VEYE-uh-layt

verb

To break or fail to comply with a law, rule, or agreement.

"The company violated several safety regulations."

"Publishing the photos violated her right to privacy."

To disturb or intrude on something that should be respected, such as someone's privacy or a sacred place.

"Reporters were accused of violating the family's privacy during their grief."

How to Use Violate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo break a rule, or to intrude on something that should be left alone or respected.

Common pairings

violate a law violate someone's privacy violate the terms

Word Forms

more violate comparative, violated past tense, violated plural, violate plural, violates singular, violate singular, violated singular, violatest singular, violatedst singular, violateth singular, most violate superlative

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The company _____ several safety regulations.

Etymology

From Latin violāre, "to treat with violence," ultimately from vīs, "force."

Rhymes for violate

ate date rate mate fate gate hate pate late Nate Kate cate

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