violate

[ˈvaɪəleɪt]

violate Definition

• 1. break or fail to comply with (a rule or formal agreement)
• 2. fail to respect (someone's peace, privacy, or rights)
• 3. rape or sexually assault (someone)

Using violate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "violate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The company was found to have violated environmental regulations.

• Example

  He was arrested for violating his parole.

• Example

  The paparazzi violated the celebrity's privacy by taking photos of her in her home.

• Example

  The attacker was charged with violating the victim.

violate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for violate

• infringe
• breach
• disobey
• transgress
• trespass

Antonyms for violate

• respect
• uphold
• comply with

Phrases with violate

• violate someone's rights

  to infringe upon or disregard someone's legal or moral entitlements

  Example

  The government was accused of violating the citizens' rights to free speech.

• violate a law

  to break or fail to comply with a legal statute or regulation

  Example

  The driver was pulled over for violating the speed limit.

• violate a ceasefire

  to break or fail to comply with an agreement to stop fighting in a conflict

  Example

  The rebel group violated the ceasefire by launching an attack on government forces.

Origins of violate

from Latin 'violare', meaning 'to treat with violence'

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Summary: violate in Brief

The verb 'violate' [ˈvaɪəleɪt] means to break or fail to comply with a rule or agreement, fail to respect someone's peace, privacy, or rights, or rape or sexually assault someone. It is often used in legal and moral contexts, such as 'The company was found to have violated environmental regulations.' 'Violate' can also be used in phrases like 'violate someone's rights' and 'violate a law.'