violation
AmericanSynonym Usage
See breach.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of violation
1400–50; late Middle English < Latin violātiōn- (stem of violātiō ), equivalent to violāt ( us ) ( see violate) + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
Anytime a person crosses a boundary — a legal boundary, a moral boundary, a physical boundary, or a binding business deal — that's a violation. When a burglar picks the lock on your door, that's a violation of your property. A violation can be a disrespectful act or the crossing of someone’s physical boundaries. When you're forced to shake hands with your boss's wife, the way her perfume stings your eyes might feel like a violation. Violation is often used to describe an action that disregards an agreement or a basic right, such as a violation of a global climate treaty or a human rights violation.
Vocabulary lists containing violation
Freak the Mighty
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American Football, 2nd Quarter
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List 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Orange County court originally ruled the jingle a violation of California’s false advertising law for failing to disclose its religious affiliations, and it was subsequently pulled from the airwaves.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026
Even attesting to the Irish that they don’t do any of the banned trade would be a U.S. violation.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026
He added: "It is a serious human rights violation, and it is one more reason why two British citizens, with no other options left, are now starving themselves in protest."
From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson condemned the attacks as a “gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.”
From Barron's • May 28, 2026
It was a major violation of the rules of tradecraft for Sokolov to risk being seen at Cohen’s home.
From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
