Violate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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violate

[หˆvaษชษ™หŒleษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

law

Fail to comply with a rule or law. Breach or fail to observe (a code of conduct or law)

Synonyms

break, disobey, infringe, transgress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
violate

Use this word when someone disrespects or acts against a rule, law, or personal boundary very seriously.

  • He was accused of violating international law.
break

Use this word in informal contexts when referring to not following a rule or law.

  • She broke the speed limit while driving.
infringe

Use this word in formal contexts when referring to the act of limiting someone's rights or freedoms.

  • The new law infringes on our right to privacy.
disobey

Use this word when someone does not follow an order, command, or instruction, typically from an authority figure.

  • The soldier was punished for disobeying orders.
transgress

Use this word in literary or formal contexts to describe crossing a moral, ethical, or legal boundary.

  • He was forgiven for transgressing the community's unwritten rules.

Examples of usage

  • He was fined for violating the traffic laws.
  • She was found guilty of violating company policy.
  • They were accused of violating human rights.
Context #2 | Verb

personal space

Disturb or disregard someone's personal space or boundaries.

Synonyms

encroach, intrude, trespass.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
violate

Used when referring to breaking a law, rule, agreement, or right. It often carries a serious and formal tone.

  • He was fined because he violated the company's policies.
  • The new law is meant to protect citizens' rights and ensure they are not violated.
intrude

Best used when someone unwelcome enters a place or situation where they are not wanted. It has a negative connotation.

  • Sorry to intrude, but I need to ask you something urgently.
  • She felt like she was intruding when she walked into the private meeting.
encroach

Appropriate when describing a gradual and often unnoticed invasion or infringement. It is often used in relation to space, time, or rights.

  • Over the years, the forest has encroached on the farmland.
  • Noise from the construction site is starting to encroach on their living space.
trespass

Commonly used when someone enters a place without permission, especially private property. It is often a legal term.

  • The sign warned that trespassers would be prosecuted.
  • They were caught trespassing on private land.

Examples of usage

  • He violated her personal space by standing too close.
  • The paparazzi violated their privacy by taking photos without permission.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Aspects

  • To violate laws can lead to fines or imprisonment, showing how serious it is.
  • Certain violations are considered felonies, which are more serious than misdemeanors and carry heavier penalties.

Cultural Perceptions

  • Different cultures have various taboos; violating these can lead to social ostracism or extreme consequences.
  • In many societies, acts that violate trust can cause long-lasting emotional harm and lead to serious relationship breakdowns.

Psychological Implications

  • Studies show that when people feel violated, it can trigger stress responses and impact mental health.
  • Victims of violations often struggle with feelings of betrayal, affecting their ability to trust others.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters who violate societal norms often face dire consequences, illustrating moral themes.
  • Violated boundaries in storytelling often lead to conflict, driving plot dynamics in many narratives.

Origin of 'violate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'violare', which means to do violence to, or to treat with abuse.
  • In the 13th century, it was used in English to refer specifically to breaking or injuring something sacred.

The word 'violate' originated from the Latin word 'violare', which means 'to treat with violence or disregard'. The term evolved over time to encompass the idea of breaking rules or boundaries. The concept of violation has been present in human societies throughout history, as individuals and groups have often struggled with maintaining respect for laws and personal boundaries.


See also: violated, violating, violation, violations, violator.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,509 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.