violate (B1)

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈvaɪəleɪt/

Definition

To fail to do something required by law, agreement, or rule; to break.

Examples

• He was accused of violating the terms of the contract.

• The new law will not violate the rights of citizens.

• You must not violate the speed limit.

How to Use violate

violate a law (collocation)

To break a law. — "He was arrested for violating a law."

violate a rule (collocation)

To break a rule. — "She was sent to the principal's office for violating a school rule."

violate an agreement (collocation)

To break an agreement or contract. — "The company was accused of violating an agreement with its suppliers."

violate someone's rights (collocation)

To infringe upon the legal or moral entitlements of a person. — "The government was criticized for violating the human rights of its citizens."

violate privacy (collocation)

To intrude upon someone's private life or space. — "Recording conversations without consent can violate privacy."

Synonyms of violate

Words with a similar meaning to violate:

• break
• disobey
• infringe
• transgress

Antonyms of violate

Words with the opposite meaning to violate:

• obey
• uphold

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