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Violating: meaning, definitions and examples

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violating

 

[ ˈvaɪəˌleɪtɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

breaking rules

To violate means to break or fail to comply with a rule or law. It can also refer to the act of disrespecting someone's privacy or personal space.

Synonyms

breach, break, disregard, infringe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
violating

Used when someone is not following rules, laws, or agreements, often showing a lack of respect.

  • He was arrested for violating the terms of his parole.
  • The company was fined for violating environmental regulations.
break

Commonly used in everyday language to indicate not following rules, promises, or objects.

  • She broke the rules by cheating on the exam.
  • Don't break your promise to help me move.
infringe

Often used in legal contexts to describe violating someone's rights or laws. It suggests a more serious or formal offense.

  • The new law may infringe on our freedom of speech.
  • They sued the company for infringing on their patent.
disregard

Indicates a careless or indifferent attitude towards rules, laws, or advice, often with negative connotations.

  • His disregard for safety rules put everyone at risk.
  • She showed a blatant disregard for the company's policies.
breach

Often used in legal or formal settings to describe a failure to follow a contract, agreement, or duty.

  • The breach of contract resulted in a lawsuit.
  • There was a security breach in their computer system.

Examples of usage

  • He was fined for violating traffic regulations.
  • The company was accused of violating environmental laws.
  • She felt violated when someone went through her personal belongings without permission.
Context #2 | Verb

harming someone or something

To violate can also mean to harm or damage someone or something, often in a physical or emotional way.

Synonyms

damage, harm, hurt, injure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
violating

Use 'violating' when someone is breaking a rule, law, or agreement. It often has a negative connotation.

  • He was arrested for violating the city's noise ordinance.
  • The company faced fines for violating environmental regulations.
harm

Use 'harm' in a general sense when referring to causing physical injury or mental/emotional distress to people, animals, or organisms.

  • Smoking can harm your lungs.
  • The harsh words harmed her feelings.
damage

Use 'damage' when referring to physical harm or destruction to objects, property, or even reputation.

  • The storm caused significant damage to the houses.
  • The scandal damaged his reputation.
injure

Use 'injure' when referring to causing physical harm to someone. This term is often used in the context of accidents, sports, or violence.

  • She injured her ankle while playing soccer.
  • The car accident injured several people.
hurt

Use 'hurt' when referring to causing pain or injury, often related to physical or emotional pain.

  • The fall hurt his knee.
  • Her comments hurt my feelings.

Examples of usage

  • The attacker violated her sense of security.
  • The vandal violated the historic monument by defacing it.

Translations

Translations of the word "violating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 violando

🇮🇳 उल्लंघन करना

🇩🇪 verletzend

🇮🇩 melanggar

🇺🇦 порушуючи

🇵🇱 łamiący

🇯🇵 違反している

🇫🇷 violant

🇪🇸 violando

🇹🇷 ihlal eden

🇰🇷 위반하는

🇸🇦 منتهك

🇨🇿 porušující

🇸🇰 porušujúci

🇨🇳 违反

🇸🇮 kršeč

🇮🇸 brjóta gegn

🇰🇿 бұзатын

🇬🇪 დარღვევა

🇦🇿 pozmaq

🇲🇽 violando

Etymology

The word 'violate' originated from the Latin word 'violare', which means 'to treat with violence, outrage, dishonor'. The term has been used in English since the 15th century with the meaning of breaking or disregarding rules. Over time, it has also come to be associated with the concept of harm or damage.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,063 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.