contravention

noun

con·​tra·​ven·​tion ˌkän-trə-ˈven(t)-shən 

: the act of contravening : violation

Synonyms

• breach
• infraction
• infringement
• transgression
• trespass
• violation

Examples of contravention in a Sentence

a clandestine weapons program that was a contravention of the international arms agreement

Recent Examples on the Web

As has become familiar in the U.K. in recent years, this latest change to the immigration system to prevent further arrivals is quite likely in direct contravention of the U.K.’s international refugee and human rights obligations. —Frey Lindsay, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2025

This was in contravention to a U.S. government moratorium on such research at the time. —Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025

This exceptional prohibition is in contravention to U.S. sanctions policy and contrary to national interests. —Christine Ahn, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2024

During peace talks presided over by three U.S. administrations, Israelis and Palestinians argued about which of the settlements—all of which were built in contravention of international law—would stay and which would go. —Omar M. Dajani, Foreign Affairs, 19 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Late Latin contravenire — more at contravene

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing contravention

• in contravention of

Rhymes for contravention

• circumvention
• inattention
• intervention
• abstention
• dissention
• distention
• intention
• subvention
• nonintervention