Violating: meaning, definitions and examples

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violating

 

[ˈvaɪəˌleɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'violare,' which means 'to use violence or force against.'
  • Originally, 'violare' was related to being forceful, which evolved to its current meaning of breaking rules or laws.

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, violating a law can lead to consequences such as fines or imprisonment.
  • Violations are often categorized into civil and criminal types, affecting how they are punished.

Psychology

  • Research shows that people may violate social norms due to peer pressure or lack of awareness.
  • Violating norms can affect group dynamics, leading to feelings of exclusion or conflict.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Certain cultures have strict norms about behavior that, if violated, can lead to social ostracism.
  • In many societies, acts of violation can provoke community outcry, emphasizing the importance of respecting shared values.

Media Representation

  • Movies often explore themes of violation, portraying characters who break rules for dramatic effect, evoking various moral questions.
  • News stories frequently cover violations, highlighting their impact on society and the law.

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

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.