violate
VEYE-uh-layt
Violate (verb) means to break or fail to comply with a law, rule, or agreement. Example: “The company violated several safety regulations.”
verb
1
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."
"Drivers who violate the speed limit near schools may face a fine."
2
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."
"Climbing over the fence would violate the sanctity of the old burial ground."
"Please do not violate her privacy by reading her diary."
How to use violate
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- violates
- Past tense
- violated
- Comparative
- more violate
- Superlative
- most violate
- Archaic forms
- violatest, violatedst, violateth
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."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for violate
See all rhymes for 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'.
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