violate
gb/vˈaɪəleɪt/ us/vˈaɪəleɪt/
B2
English
~ 2900
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B2
action
1
Break a law or rule
To not follow a law, rule, or agreement.
Usage pattern:
to violate [a law/rule/contract]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'violate' with 'avoid'; 'violate' means to break a rule, not to stay away from it.
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.)
Collocations
violate the law
|violate human rights
|violate a contract
|violate regulations
Themes
law
|ethics
|society
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- 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.
Verb
formal
C1
action
2
Disrespect something sacred
To treat something holy or private in a bad or wrong way.
Usage pattern:
to violate [a place/object/person's privacy]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with physical breaking; here it is about moral or emotional harm.
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.)
Collocations
violate the sanctity
|violate privacy
|violate a grave
Themes
ethics
|religion
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The soldiers were accused of violating the sanctity of the temple.
- Publishing the photos would violate her privacy.
- The vandals violated the cemetery by damaging headstones.
Learner examples
- He violated her privacy.
- They violated the holy place.
- The photo violates my personal space.
Verb
C2
action
3
Sexually assault someone
To make someone have sexual contact without their permission.
Usage pattern:
to violate [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize this is an extremely serious and sensitive meaning; avoid casual use.
Synonyms
rape (Direct term for forcing sexual intercourse against someone's will.)
Antonyms
consent (Agreement given freely to sexual activity.)
Collocations
violate a woman
|violate a child
Themes
crime
|law
|violence
|health
Examples
- The victim reported that she had been violated by an acquaintance.
- He was convicted of violating several women over many years.
- The story describes how the character felt after being violated.
Learner examples
- He violated her by force.
- She said he violated her.
- They caught the man who violated the girl.
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.