violate
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for violate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To break or fail to comply with a law, rule, or agreement.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use violate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin violāre, "to treat with violence," ultimately from vīs, "force."
Full origin of violate →Frequently asked questions
What does “violate” mean?
The word “violate” means to break or fail to comply with a law, rule, or agreement. In plain terms, to break a rule, or to intrude on something that should be left alone or respected.
How do you pronounce “violate”?
“Violate” is pronounced VEYE-uh-layt (/ˈvaɪəˌleɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “violate” in a sentence?
Here is “violate” used in a sentence: “The company violated several safety regulations.”
What part of speech is “violate”?
“Violate” is a verb.
Where does the word “violate” come from?
The word “violate” comes from Latin. From Latin violāre, "to treat with violence," ultimately from vīs, "force.".
Is “violate” a common word?
“Violate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “violate” have?
“Violate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to break or fail to comply with a law, rule, or agreement.
What is the difference between 'violate' and 'break' a rule?
'Break' is a general, everyday word for failing to follow a rule, while 'violate' is more formal and often implies a more serious or deliberate breach, especially of laws, agreements, or rights. 'Violate' is commonly used in legal, official, or ethical contexts where 'break' would sound too casual.
Can 'violate' be used for privacy or personal space, not just laws?
Yes, 'violate' is frequently used to describe intruding on something that should be respected, such as violating someone's privacy, personal space, or a sacred place. This sense focuses on disrespecting boundaries rather than breaking a formal rule.
What is the noun form of 'violate'?
The noun form of 'violate' is 'violation,' as in 'a violation of the contract' or 'a privacy violation.' The person who violates something can be called a 'violator'.