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contravene


con·tra·vene

verb \ˌkän-trə-ˈvēn\
con·tra·venedcon·tra·ven·ing

Definition of CONTRAVENE

transitive verb
1
: to go or act contrary to : violate <contravene a law>
2
: to oppose in argument : contradict <contravene a proposition>
con·tra·ven·er noun

Examples of CONTRAVENE

  1. The overcrowded dance club contravened safety regulations.
  2. <the unauthorized reproduction of the image contravenes copyright laws>

Origin of CONTRAVENE

Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French contrevenir, from Late Latin contravenire, from Latin contra- + venire to come — more at come
First Known Use: 1567

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