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

Although Poland has experienced several violations of its airspace since neighbouring Ukraine was attacked by Russia in February 2022, this latest incursion - sizeable, and deep into Polish territory - sparked real nervousness in Warsaw.

From BBC

Bhavin Patel, 42, has been charged with making criminal threats, burglary and violation of civil rights, according to the district attorney’s office.

From Los Angeles Times

Qatar's foreign ministry condemned the strike "in the strongest possible terms," and said the attack was a "blatant violation" of international law.

From BBC

"This criminal assault constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, and poses a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar," a foreign ministry statement said.

From BBC

The killings in Caribbean on Sept. 2 are a worse violation – they had links to no hostilities.

From Salon

Related Words

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