violation
gb/vaɪəlˈeɪʃən/ us/vaɪəlˈeɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 4700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
Breaking a law or rule
When someone does not follow a law, rule, or agreement.
Usage pattern:
a violation of [law/rule/agreement]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'violation' with 'violence'. They are different: 'violation' is about breaking rules or laws, while 'violence' is about physical force.
Synonyms
breach (Slightly more formal and often used in legal or contractual contexts.)
|
infringement (Commonly used for laws, rights, or rules, especially in legal contexts.)
Antonyms
compliance (Means following a law, rule, or agreement.)
Collocations
serious violation
|traffic violation
|human rights violation
|violation of privacy
|violation of regulations
Themes
law
|society
|ethics
Examples
- The company was fined for a violation of environmental laws.
- Speeding is considered a traffic violation.
- The new policy aims to prevent violations of workers' rights.
- He was arrested for multiple violations of parole.
- They were accused of a serious violation of safety regulations.
Learner examples
- He was punished for a violation of the rules.
- A traffic violation can cost a lot of money.
- She lost her job after a violation of company policy.
- The police wrote him a ticket for a violation.
- A violation of the law is a crime.
Noun
B2
action
2
Harming rights or dignity
When someone does something that hurts another person's rights, dignity, or privacy.
Usage pattern:
a violation of [rights/privacy/dignity]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think this meaning only applies to legal rules, but it can also be about personal boundaries and moral principles.
Synonyms
abuse (Often used when harm is severe and intentional.)
|
encroachment (Focuses on gradually taking away someone's rights or space.)
Antonyms
respect (Means treating someone's rights and dignity properly.)
Collocations
violation of human rights
|gross violation
|violation of privacy
|violation of dignity
Themes
ethics
|human-rights
|law
|relationships
Examples
- The invasion of her home was a clear violation of her privacy.
- Torture is a severe violation of human rights.
- They protested against the government's violation of free speech.
- Such treatment is a violation of basic human dignity.
- The report documented numerous violations of civil liberties.
Learner examples
- Reading her diary was a violation of her privacy.
- The arrest was a violation of his rights.
- They spoke out against the violation of human dignity.
- A violation of privacy can hurt people deeply.
- Violations of human rights are serious.
Noun
C1
action
3
Damaging something sacred
When someone damages or shows no respect for something holy or very important.
Usage pattern:
a violation of [sacred place/object]
Synonyms
desecration (Specifically refers to disrespecting something sacred.)
Antonyms
veneration (Means showing great respect to something sacred or important.)
Collocations
violation of a tomb
|violation of sacred ground
Themes
religion
|culture
|law
Examples
- The graffiti was seen as a violation of the historic monument.
- Entering the temple in shoes was considered a violation of its sanctity.
- Looting the burial site was a violation of cultural heritage.
Learner examples
- They called it a violation of the church.
- It was a violation of the holy place.
- A violation of the tomb made people angry.
Grammar
Dictionary form
violation
IPA
GB/vaɪəlˈeɪʃən/
US/vaɪəlˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
vi - ol - a - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ol)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: violation
- Plural: violation, violations
Word family
Expressions
in violation of
1/ˈɪn vaɪəlˈeɪʃən əv/
fixed phrase
Not following a rule or law
Not obeying a law, rule, or agreement.
Examples
- The company acted in violation of the trade agreement.
- He parked there in violation of city regulations.
traffic violation
1/tɹˈæfɪk vaɪəlˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Breaking driving laws
When someone does not follow driving laws or road rules.
Examples
- Speeding is the most common traffic violation.
- He received a fine for a traffic violation.
violation of human rights
1/vaɪəlˈeɪʃən əv hjˈumən ɹˈaɪts/
fixed phrase
Act denying basic freedoms
An action that takes away people's basic rights and freedoms.
Examples
- Torture is considered a serious violation of human rights.
- They condemned the government's violations of human rights.