violation
Violation (noun) means an act of breaking a law, rule, or agreement. Example: “Parking here is a violation of the building's rules.”
How to use violation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act of breaking a rule, or of badly intruding on someone's rights or privacy.
Word forms
violations plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Parking here is a _____ of the building's rules.
Etymology
From Latin violātiō, from violāre, "to violate."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for violation
Frequently asked questions
What does “violation” mean?
The word “violation” means an act of breaking a law, rule, or agreement. In plain terms, the act of breaking a rule, or of badly intruding on someone's rights or privacy.
How do you pronounce “violation”?
“Violation” is pronounced veye-uh-LAY-shuhn (/ˌvaɪ.əˈleɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “violation” in a sentence?
Here is “violation” used in a sentence: “Parking here is a violation of the building's rules.”
What is another word for “violation”?
Words with a similar meaning to “violation” include transgression and desecration.
What is the opposite of “violation”?
The opposite of “violation” — its antonyms — are compliance and obedience.
What part of speech is “violation”?
“Violation” is a noun.
Where does the word “violation” come from?
The word “violation” comes from Latin. From Latin violātiō, from violāre, "to violate.".
Is “violation” a common word?
“Violation” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "violation" and "breach"?
Both mean the breaking of a law, rule, or agreement. "Breach" is especially common with contracts, duties, and security, as in "a data breach" or "breach of contract." "Violation" is broader, is often used for laws, rules, and rights, and can sound more serious.
What is the difference between "violation" and "infringement"?
A "violation" is an act of breaking a law, rule, or agreement, and can also mean a serious intrusion on someone's rights or dignity. "Infringement" usually refers to a more limited encroachment, especially on rights or intellectual property, such as copyright infringement. Violation tends to carry a stronger, more serious tone.
What is the difference between a "violation" and an "offense"?
A "violation" is the act of breaking a rule or law. An "offense" is typically the wrongful act itself, and in law it can be a categorised crime. In many traffic and regulatory contexts a "violation" is a minor offense that carries a fine rather than a criminal record.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include violation: