violate Definition
- 1break or fail to comply with (a rule or formal agreement)
- 2fail to respect (someone's peace, privacy, or rights)
- 3rape 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
Phrases with violate
Example
The government was accused of violating the citizens' rights to free speech.
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'
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.'