Violations: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in a formal or legal context to describe breaking rules, laws, or regulations. Often applied to both minor and major offenses.

• The company faced severe penalties for environmental violations.
• Traffic violations can lead to hefty fines.

Typically used in formal or legal contexts to describe the breaking of contracts, agreements, or legal obligations. It implies a significant failure to comply with terms.

• The breach of contract resulted in a lawsuit.
• There was a security breach in the company's database.

Often used in moral or religious contexts to describe a violation of moral or ethical standards. It has a more serious connotation than 'infraction'.

• The politician's transgressions led to public outcry.
• He sought forgiveness for his transgressions against his family.

Generally used to refer to minor violations, especially of laws or rules. Often used in a more formal or legal setting.

• Parking in a no-parking zone is considered a minor infraction.
• The student received a detention for a school rule infraction.

Used broadly to describe any act that breaks a law or rule. It can apply to both minor and serious acts and is often used in legal and informal situations.

• Drunk driving is a serious offense.
• Telling a lie might be considered a moral offense.

Official or legal context where rules or laws are broken.

• The company faced severe penalties for environmental violations.
• Traffic violations can lead to hefty fines.

Ignoring rules, warnings, or advice, often intentionally.

• His complete disregard for safety regulations put everyone at risk.
• The employee's disregard for company policies resulted in termination.

Legal setting where someone's rights or intellectual property are violated.

• The lawsuit was filed due to copyright infringement.
• Patent infringement can result in significant financial penalties.

Refusal to obey orders or rules, often in a bold or courageous manner.

• Her defiance against the unjust rules inspired many.
• The student's defiance led to a disciplinary action.

Entering someone's property without permission; also used to describe overstepping boundaries.

• The sign clearly said 'No Trespassing' but they entered the property anyway.
• He was arrested for trespass after climbing over the fence.