violate
gb/vˈaɪəleɪt/ us/vˈaɪəleɪt/
B2
English
~ 2900
megszeg, bűncselekményt követ el, megsért, megszentségtelenít, megerőszakol, erőszakot tesz valakin
VERB
B2
1
Usage pattern:
to violate [a law/rule/contract]
The company was fined for violating environmental regulations.
He violated the terms of his parole and was sent back to prison.
The government was accused of violating international law.
Learner examples
He violated the school rules.
They violated the contract.
The driver violated the traffic law.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'violate' with 'avoid'; 'violate' means to break a rule, not to stay away from it.
Meaning
Break a law or rule
Collocations
violate the law
|violate human rights
|violate a contract
|violate regulations
Synonyms
breach (Often used in formal or legal contexts for breaking a rule or agreement.)
|
infringe (Common in legal contexts, especially regarding rights or laws.)
Antonyms
comply (Means to follow or obey a rule or law.)
|
uphold (Means to maintain or support a law or principle.)
Themes
law
|ethics
|society
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To not follow a law, rule, or agreement.
To act in a way that disregards or disobeys a law, rule, or formal agreement.
VERB
C1
FORMAL
2
megsért
B1
Usage pattern:
to violate [a place/object/person's privacy]
The soldiers were accused of violating the sanctity of the temple.
A katonákat azzal vádolták, hogy megsértették a templom szentségét.
Publishing the photos would violate her privacy.
A fotók közzététele sértené a magánszféráját.
The vandals violated the cemetery by damaging headstones.
Learner examples
He violated her privacy.
Megsértette a magánszféráját.
They violated the holy place.
Megszentségtelenítették a szent helyet.
The photo violates my personal space.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with physical breaking; here it is about moral or emotional harm.
Meaning
Disrespect something sacred
Collocations
violate the sanctity
|violate privacy
|violate a grave
Synonyms
desecrate (Specifically about treating sacred things with disrespect.)
|
profane (Often used for language or actions toward sacred things.)
Antonyms
honor (Means to show respect to something sacred or important.)
|
respect (To treat something with care and regard.)
Themes
ethics
|religion
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To treat something holy or private in a bad or wrong way.
To treat something sacred, respected, or private with disrespect or improper use.
VERB
C2
3
Usage pattern:
to violate [someone]
The victim reported that she had been violated by an acquaintance.
Az áldozat bejelentette, hogy egy ismerőse megerőszakolta.
He was convicted of violating several women over many years.
Elítélték, mert éveken át több nőt is megerőszakolt.
The story describes how the character felt after being violated.
Learner examples
He violated her by force.
Erőszakot tett rajta.
She said he violated her.
Azt mondta, hogy a férfi megerőszakolta.
They caught the man who violated the girl.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize this is an extremely serious and sensitive meaning; avoid casual use.
Meaning
Sexually assault someone
Collocations
violate a woman
|violate a child
Synonyms
rape (Direct term for forcing sexual intercourse against someone's will.)
Antonyms
consent (Agreement given freely to sexual activity.)
Themes
crime
|law
|violence
|health
Definition
To make someone have sexual contact without their permission.
To force someone into sexual activity against their will; to rape.
Grammar
Dictionary form
violate
IPA
GB/vˈaɪəleɪt/
US/vˈaɪəleɪt/
Syllables & stress
vi - ol - ate (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (vi)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: violate
- 3rd Person Singular: violates
- Present Participle: violating
- Past: violated
Word family
Expressions
violate a contract
1/vˈaɪəleɪt ə kˈɑntɹˌækt/
fixed phrase
Fail to follow agreement terms
To not do what is written in an agreement.
Examples
- If you violate the contract, you may face legal action.
- They accused the supplier of violating the contract.
violate someone's rights
1/vˈaɪəleɪt sˈʌmwˌʌnz ɹˈaɪts/
fixed phrase
Act against someone's rights
To take away or ignore what a person is allowed to have or do by law.
Examples
- The report says the police violated his rights during the arrest.
- They claimed the new law would violate citizens' rights.
violate the law
1/vˈaɪəleɪt ðə lˈɔ/
fixed phrase
Break a legal rule
To do something that is not allowed by law.
Examples
- Anyone who violates the law will be punished.
- The new policy could violate the law if implemented this way.