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Violated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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violated

[หˆvaษชษ™หŒleษชtษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

rules

To fail to obey a law, rule, or agreement

Synonyms

break, disobey, infringe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
violated

This term is often used when a rule, law, or agreement has been seriously ignored or broken, usually in a way that is more severe and with potential ethical or moral implications.

  • He violated the terms of the contract by not delivering the goods on time.
  • The country's sovereignty was violated when the foreign army invaded.
break

This word is used in a more general sense to indicate failure to comply with a rule or an agreement. It's more colloquial and common in everyday language.

  • If you break the law, you will be punished.
  • She broke her promise and didn't show up.
infringe

Primarily used in legal or formal contexts, this word refers to encroaching upon or limiting someone's rights or freedoms, often in a subtle or indirect manner.

  • The policy could infringe on individual privacy rights.
  • Copying the book without permission could infringe copyright laws.
disobey

This term is typically used in the context of failing to follow orders, directives, or instructions, often from an authority figure like a parent, teacher, or leader.

  • The soldier was punished for disobeying orders.
  • Children should not disobey their parents.

Examples of usage

  • He was fined for violating the speed limit.
  • She violated company policy by sharing confidential information.
  • If you violate the terms of the contract, legal action may be taken against you.
Context #2 | Verb

privacy

To treat something sacred with irreverence or disrespect

Synonyms

defile, desecrate, profane.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
violated

This term is often used to describe a situation where a law, rule, or someone's rights have been broken or disrespected.

  • Her privacy was violated when someone hacked her email account.
  • The contract was violated by not meeting the specified deadlines.
desecrate

This term is generally used when something sacred or holy is treated with disrespect or irreverence, causing it to lose its sacred character.

  • The church was desecrated by vandals who spray-painted its walls.
  • Looting the temple was seen as an act of desecration.
profane

It is often used to describe actions, words, or behaviors that show disrespect or irreverence towards something sacred or religious. It can also refer to something that is secular rather than sacred.

  • He was known for his profane language during practices.
  • The sacred text was profaned by those who refused to treat it with respect.
defile

Used in contexts where something is made dirty, impure, or unclean, often in a moral or physical sense. It typically has a strong negative connotation.

  • The vandals defiled the ancient monument with graffiti.
  • Pollution can defile pristine natural environments.

Examples of usage

  • They violated the sanctity of the church by vandalizing it.
  • The hackers violated the privacy of thousands of users by leaking their personal information.
Context #3 | Verb

personal space

To disturb or interrupt someone's personal space or boundaries

Synonyms

encroach, intrude, trespass.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
violated

Use this word when referring to breaking rules, laws, or rights. It implies a serious breach.

  • He felt that his privacy was violated when his emails were read without permission.
  • The company violated environmental regulations.
intrude

Use this word when someone enters a place or situation unwelcome or without permission. It often implies an invasion of privacy or personal space.

  • I didn't mean to intrude, but the door was open.
  • He felt that the reporter was intruding on his private life.
encroach

This word is appropriate for gradual invasions into space, rights, or responsibilities. It often has a slightly negative connotation.

  • Her work began to encroach on her personal time.
  • The construction project is encroaching on protected land.
trespass

This word is best used when someone enters property without permission. It is often used in a legal context.

  • The kids were caught trespassing on the abandoned lot.
  • The sign clearly says 'No Trespassing'.

Examples of usage

  • He felt violated when a stranger invaded his personal space.
  • She violated his trust by going through his personal belongings without permission.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal terms, a person's rights can be violated when someone disregards laws meant to protect those rights.
  • Violations typically result in penalties, which can include fines, imprisonment, or civil actions.

Psychology

  • Psychologically, feeling violated can lead to trauma or emotional distress, particularly if the violation is personal in nature.
  • The sense of violation can affect an individual's trust in others and their overall sense of safety.

Literature

  • In literature, themes of violation often explore the struggle between personal freedoms and societal rules.
  • Classic novels frequently depict characters facing moral dilemmas that stem from violations of social norms.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows often dramatize violations of trust or personal boundaries, reflecting societal issues and norms.
  • Songs addressing themes of betrayal frequently include references to feelings of being violated, resonating with listeners who have faced similar experiences.

Origin of 'violated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'violare', which means to 'treat with violence' or 'to profane'.
  • Originally, the term related to physical violation, but over time, it expanded to include emotional and moral contexts.

The word 'violated' comes from the Latin word 'violatus', which means 'broken' or 'injured'. The concept of violation has been present in human societies for centuries, as rules and boundaries are established to maintain order and respect. When these rules are broken or disregarded, a sense of violation is often felt. The word has evolved to encompass various contexts, from legal violations to personal boundaries, reflecting the complexity of human interactions and values.

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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,876, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.