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 penalty for class size violations is so high because the fine is not based on the number of rule-breaking schools. —Jenny Gold, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2024

Sacramento County restaurants and market cited for health violations The following Sacramento County restaurants had violations the week of May 30 through June 5, resulting in a conditional pass. —Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 7 June 2024

Rokita’s office was tasked with determining whether the auction of the artwork to raise funds for dorm renovations for first-year students would be a violation of the tenets of the trust from Sloan. —Amy Lavalley, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2024

Harrison’s transfer was another violation of the company’s policy, as employees are supposed to be suspended and removed from work schedules until an investigation is completed, according to the suit. —Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 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