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

The lawsuit, now in its early stages, seeks to prohibit any further clean water violations as well as civil penalties. —Tom Philp, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024

Here's how to report possible irregularities or violations. —Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024

Critics, however, see it as a violation of the Massachusetts Constitution's separation of powers. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

The next day, my son received a notice of eviction from the property manager because of a violation of his lease’s Crime Free Addendum. —Christopher A. Combs, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024

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