violation

[vahy-uh-ley-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of violating.

2. the state of being violated.

3. a breach, infringement, or transgression, as of a law, rule, promise, etc..

   He was fined for a traffic violation.

4. desecration; profanation.

   the violation of a cemetery.

5. sexual molestation, especially rape.

6. a distortion of meaning or fact.

Other Word Forms

• violational adjective
• nonviolation noun
• previolation noun
• reviolation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of violation¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin violātiōn- (stem of violātiō ), equivalent to violāt ( us ) ( violate ) + -iōn- -ion

Synonym Study

See breach.

Example Sentences

"The mechanism will oversee the implementation of the permanent ceasefire, investigate and verify reported violations, and communicate with relevant parties to prevent a resumption of hostilities," Doha said.

Read more on Barron's

Hamas said that several Gaza residents were killed by the Israeli military, saying it was a violation of the cease-fire agreement.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Southern California air regulators issued violations to two foundries in southeast Los Angeles County after air sampling revealed elevated levels of a highly toxic metal near the facilities.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Amid the protests, allegations of antisemitism surged on campuses and Jewish students and faculty protested violations of their civil rights.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He drew seven fines last season and has been fined three times this season for a total of $34,784 for unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness violations.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• abuse 
• contravention 
• encroachment 
• infraction 
• infringement 
• misdemeanor 
• negligence 
• offense 
• transgression