violation

noun

vi·​o·​la·​tion ˌvī-ə-ˈlā-shən 

: the act of violating : the state of being violated: such as

a

: infringement, transgression

specifically : an infringement of the rules in sports that is less serious than a foul and usually involves technicalities of play

b

: an act of irreverence or desecration : profanation

c

: disturbance, interruption

d

: rape entry 1 sense 1, ravishment

Synonyms

• breach
• crime
• debt
• error
• lawbreaking
• malefaction
• misdeed
• misdoing
• offense
• offence
• sin
• transgression
• trespass
• wrongdoing

Examples of violation in a Sentence

a serious violation of the law

A second violation was called on the basketball player.

He was arrested for violation of his parole.

The group monitors human rights violations.

trying to prevent violation of human rights

Recent Examples on the Web

TikTok is awaiting a final ruling from the Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments regarding the ban’s potential violation of the First Amendment on Jan. 10. —Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 14 Jan. 2025

Use regular audits, whistleblower protections and incident tracking systems to address violations. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

Trump Will Cut Sanctions: Report By Shannon McDonagh News Reporter 24 Russia has warned the United States against President-elect Donald Trump's plans to acquire Greenland, citing concerns over violations of international law and potential instability in the Arctic region. —John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025

As the attorney in a Palm Beach County case, Layton failed to show up at three dispositions and a discovery violation, no-shows that earned monetary sanctions against Layton’s client by the court. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing violation

• in violation of
• moving violation

Kids Definition

violation

noun

vi·​o·​la·​tion ˌvī-ə-ˈlā-shən 

: an act or an instance of violating : the state of being violated