WordLens

violate

1 of 1verb
/ˈvaɪəleɪt/
Forms:violates,violating,violated,violated
1

to disobey or break a regulation, an agreement, etc.

C1transitive
  • The company faced legal consequences for violating environmental regulations.
  • Individuals who violate traffic laws risk fines and penalties.
  • The athlete was suspended for violating the anti-doping policies.
  • The protesters were arrested for violating the terms of their assembly permit.
  • The organization was fined for violating data protection laws.
Synonyms:
breakgo against
Antonyms:
conform to
2

to not respect someone's rights, privacy, or peace

transitive
  • He violated her privacy by reading her personal messages without permission.
  • The company was accused of violating employee rights with unfair practices.
  • The police officer violated his constitutional rights during the arrest.
  • She felt that her boundaries were violated when they entered her room without asking.
  • The workers complained that the company violated their labor rights.
Synonyms:
breachinfracttransgressoffendbreakgo against
Antonyms:
observe
3

to destroy or severely damage something

transitive
  • The storm violated the town, leaving buildings in ruins.
  • The fire violated the forest, reducing centuries-old trees to ash.
  • The construction project violated the natural landscape, disrupting wildlife habitats.
  • The developer’s plans to build a shopping center would violate the local park.
  • The fire violated the forest, reducing centuries-old trees to ash.
4

to sexually assault or abuse someone without their consent

transitive
  • The victim bravely testified about how she was violated by her attacker.
  • The defendant was charged with violating the victim in a public park.
  • The court heard how the accused violated the young woman during the party.
  • It is important to report any incidents where someone has been violated.
  • The law takes a strong stance against those who violate others.
Synonyms:
dishonorrapeassaultravishoutragedishonour
5

to treat something sacred with disrespect or irreverence

transitive
  • He was condemned for violating the temple by taking photos during the ceremony.
  • The protestors were criticized for violating the sacred memorial with their graffiti.
  • To violate a religious symbol is seen as an act of deep disrespect by many followers.
  • The actions of the vandals violated the sanctity of the historical monument.
  • They were outraged when the building was violated by the unwanted construction.
Synonyms:
outrageprofanedesecrate