violation
AmericanRelated Words
See breach.
Other Word 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 district court disagreed with Mississippi, holding that private citizens could bring these suits, and it found a VRA violation.
From Slate • May 19, 2026
Called the Top 100 Problem Rental Properties, the new tool launched by City Controller Kenneth Mejia shows the properties with the most housing violation cases, as well as their owners.
From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026
It added that "the targeting of peaceful nuclear energy facilities is a flagrant violation of international law, the UN charter, and the principles of humanitarian law".
From BBC • May 17, 2026
Nearly half reported knowledge of an honor code violation but less than 1% had made a report.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026
Walking through someone’s home and personal possessions felt not only like trespassing, it felt like a violation.
From "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys
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.
