violate
[ vahy-uh-leyt ]
/ ˈvaɪ əˌleɪt /
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Definition of violate
verb (used with object), vi·o·lat·ed, vi·o·lat·ing.
to break, infringe, or transgress (a law, rule, agreement, promise, instructions, etc.).
to break in upon or disturb rudely; interfere thoughtlessly with: to violate his privacy.
to break through or pass by force or without right: to violate a frontier.
to treat irreverently or disrespectfully; desecrate; profane: violate a human right.
to molest sexually, especially to rape.
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Origin of violate
OTHER WORDS FROM violate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use violate in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for violate
violate
/ (ˈvaɪəˌleɪt) /
verb (tr)
to break, disregard, or infringe (a law, agreement, etc)
to rape or otherwise sexually assault
to disturb rudely or improperly; break in upon
to treat irreverently or disrespectfully; outragehe violated a sanctuary
obsolete to mistreat physically
adjective
archaic violated or dishonoured
Derived forms of violate
Word Origin for violate
C15: from Latin violāre to do violence to, from vīs strength
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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