vi·o·late
ˈvī-ə-ˌlāt 
violated; violating
2
: to do harm to the person or especially the chastity of
specifically
: rape sense 1
3
: to fail to show proper respect for : profane
violate a shrine
Synonyms
Examples of violate in a Sentence
Verb
He was arrested for violating his parole.
The company violated its customers' privacy.
She was attacked and violated by an unknown intruder.
Recent Examples on the Web
Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
The Tariff Act of 1930 gives CBP authority to detain, further examine or seize goods that violate laws ranging from country of origin to intellectual property rights.
—Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 5 Nov. 2024
Alleged Violations of Due Process Attorney Jacob Candelaria, representing NNK Equity, disputed these charges, arguing that authorities violated his client's civil rights.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Remaining open until 8 p.m. would also violate a section of the state constitution that sets voting times, the judge added.
—Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for violate 
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Verb
The law also allows law enforcement to issue a notice of noncompliance when autonomous vehicles violate local traffic ordinances.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
The Tariff Act of 1930 gives CBP authority to detain, further examine or seize goods that violate laws ranging from country of origin to intellectual property rights.
—Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 5 Nov. 2024
Alleged Violations of Due Process Attorney Jacob Candelaria, representing NNK Equity, disputed these charges, arguing that authorities violated his client's civil rights.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Remaining open until 8 p.m. would also violate a section of the state constitution that sets voting times, the judge added.
—Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for violate
Dictionary Entries Near violate
Cite this Entry
“Violate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/violate. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
violate
transitive verb
vi·o·late
ˈvī-ə-ˌlāt
violated; violating
: to go against (as a prohibition or principle) : fail to observe or respect
violate a law
civil rights were violated
violate due process
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