Break a law Meaning in English
expression
ˈbɹeɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɫɑ/, /ˈɫɔ
BRAYK uh-LAW
bɹˈeɪk/ /æɪ/ /lˈɔː
BRAYK uh-LAW
Definition
To do something that is against the rules set by law and is not allowed by a country or authority.
Usage & Nuances
Slightly formal; common collocations include 'knowingly break a law', 'accidentally break a law'. Also expressed as 'break the law' (general). Often used in legal, police, or news contexts.
Spanish: violar una ley - infringir una leyPortuguese (BR): quebrar uma lei - violar uma leiPortuguese (PT): violar uma lei - infringir uma leiChinese (Simplified): 违反法律 - 破坏法律Chinese (Traditional): 違反法律 - 觸犯法律Hindi: कानून तोड़नाArabic: مخالفة قانون - انتهاك قانونBengali: আইন ভঙ্গ করা - আইন লঙ্ঘন করাRussian: нарушить законJapanese: 法律を破る - 法を犯すVietnamese: vi phạm luậtKorean: 법을 어기다 - 법을 위반하다Turkish: yasa çiğnemek - kanun ihlal etmekUrdu: قانون توڑناIndonesian: melanggar hukum
Example Sentences
It's illegal to break a law in any country.
basic
If you break a law, you might have to pay a fine.
basic
People sometimes break a law without knowing it.
basic
She didn't mean to break a law, but she forgot to file her taxes.
natural
You can break a law even by littering in the park.
natural
Some people think it's okay to break a law if no one gets hurt, but that's still a crime.
natural