noun
Common
violation
veye-uh-LAY-shuhn
Violation (noun) means an act of breaking a law, rule, or agreement. Example: “Copying answers from another student is a violation of the exam rules.”
noun
1
An act of breaking a law, rule, or agreement.
"Copying answers from another student is a violation of the exam rules."
"Parking here is a violation of the building's rules."
"The inspection turned up several safety violations."
2
A serious intrusion on someone's rights, privacy, or dignity.
"Reading someone's private diary without asking is a serious violation of their privacy."
"She described the way she was treated at the camp as a violation of human dignity."
"The unauthorised search was a violation of their basic rights."
How to use violation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act of breaking a rule, or of badly intruding on someone's rights or privacy.
Common pairings
a human rights violation
a traffic violation
in violation of
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like violation.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- violations
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Copying answers from another student is a _____ of the exam rules.
Etymology
From Latin violātiō, from violāre, "to violate."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for violation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all 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:
