violate
word
/ˈvaɪəɫeɪt/
/vˈaɪəleɪt/
Definition
To break or not obey a law, rule, or agreement. It can also mean to treat something (like someone's rights or privacy) disrespectfully.
Usage & Nuances
Usually formal or legal; commonly used with laws, rules, agreements, and rights: 'violate the law', 'violate someone's privacy'. Often replaced by 'break' or 'disobey' in informal settings, but 'violate' emphasizes seriousness or rights.
Spanish: violarPortuguese (BR): violarPortuguese (PT): violarChinese (Simplified): 违反 - 侵犯Chinese (Traditional): 違反 - 侵犯Hindi: उल्लंघन करना - तोड़ना (क़ानून, नियम)Arabic: انتهاك - خرق (قانون)Bengali: লঙ্ঘন করা - ভঙ্গ করাRussian: нарушатьJapanese: 違反する - 侵害するVietnamese: vi phạmKorean: 위반하다Turkish: ihlal etmekUrdu: خلاف ورزی کرنا - پامال کرناIndonesian: melanggar
Example Sentences
It's illegal to violate the law.
basic
Do not violate the school rules.
basic
They violated the agreement they signed.
basic
The company was fined for violating environmental regulations.
natural
Posting someone's photo without their permission can violate their privacy.
natural
He didn't mean to violate anyone's trust, but his actions hurt a lot of people.
natural