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Contravene: meaning, definitions and examples

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contravene

 

[ ˌkɒntrəˈviːn ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

legal

To contravene something means to do something that is not allowed by a law or rule.

Synonyms

breach, disobey, violate

Examples of usage

  • The company was fined for contravening environmental regulations.
  • He contravened the terms of his probation by leaving the country without permission.
Context #2 | Verb

formal

To contravene can also mean to conflict with or go against something, such as a principle or belief.

Synonyms

conflict with, defy, oppose

Examples of usage

  • Her actions contravene the values of the organization.
  • The decision to cut funding contravenes the government's promise to support education.

Translations

Translations of the word "contravene" in other languages:

🇵🇹 contrariar

🇮🇳 उल्लंघन करना

🇩🇪 zuwiderhandeln

🇮🇩 melanggar

🇺🇦 порушувати

🇵🇱 naruszać

🇯🇵 違反する (ihan suru)

🇫🇷 enfreindre

🇪🇸 contravenir

🇹🇷 ihlal etmek

🇰🇷 위반하다 (wiban-hada)

🇸🇦 ينتهك

🇨🇿 porušit

🇸🇰 porušiť

🇨🇳 违反 (wéifǎn)

🇸🇮 kršiti

🇮🇸 brjóta

🇰🇿 бұзу

🇬🇪 დარღვევა

🇦🇿 pozmaq

🇲🇽 contravenir

Etymology

The word 'contravene' originated in the early 16th century from the Latin word 'contravenire', which means 'to oppose'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in English to describe actions or behaviors that go against laws, rules, or principles.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,973, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.