Contravening Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contravening

[ˈkɒntrəˌviːnɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal context

Contravening refers to the act of violating or opposing a law, rule, or regulation. It implies going against established guidelines that are typically put in place for safety or order.

Synonyms

breaching, defying, transgressing, violating.

Examples of usage

  • The company was fined for contravening environmental regulations.
  • He was charged with contravening the terms of his parole.
  • The protest was deemed unlawful for contravening local assembly laws.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal contexts, contravening can lead to penalties, fines, or other consequences.
  • Contravening can refer to both civil and criminal laws, affecting personal and corporate behavior.
  • Examples include breaking traffic laws or violating contractual agreements.

Psychology

  • Humans often rationalize contravening social norms as a way to assert individuality.
  • Research shows that people are more likely to contravene rules when they see others doing the same.
  • Moral dilemmas can lead to contravening laws or ethics when one’s values conflict with societal expectations.

Literature

  • In many classic stories, characters who contravene societal norms often face consequences or moral dilemmas.
  • Shakespeare's works frequently explore themes of contravening authority and the resulting chaos.
  • Modern literature often portrays protagonists who challenge laws to fight for justice.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies and TV shows highlight characters who contravene rules, acting as rebels against authority.
  • Reality TV often showcases contestants contravening the agreed-upon rules for higher stakes.
  • In superhero films, characters often contravene laws to fight for the greater good, prompting debates on morality.

Origin of 'contravening'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'contravenire', which means 'to come against'.
  • It combines 'contra', meaning 'against', and 'venire', meaning 'to come'.
  • First recorded use in English was in the early 15th century.

The term 'contravening' originates from the Latin word 'contravener', which means to 'come against' or 'oppose.' This Latin root is derived from the prefix 'contra-', meaning 'against,' and 'venire,' meaning 'to come.' The term has been used in legal contexts for centuries to describe actions that oppose laws or regulations. In English, 'contravene' began to be utilized during the late Middle Ages, primarily within legal texts, to address violations of statutory laws. Over time, the verb form evolved, and 'contravening' became common to describe ongoing or present violations, emphasizing the active nature of the violation.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,894, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.