What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
violate
Example
The company was fined for violating environmental regulations. [violate: verb]
Example
He violated the terms of his probation by leaving the state without permission. [violated: past tense]
disobey
Example
The soldier was punished for disobeying a direct order from his commanding officer. [disobey: verb]
Example
She was caught disobeying the school's dress code policy. [disobeying: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disobey is more commonly used than violate in everyday language, especially in informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between violate and disobey?
Violate is more formal than disobey, which is more commonly used in everyday language and informal contexts.
