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 of violation

• crime
• sin
• felony
• breach
• trespass

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

Norm violations that might once have been disqualifying have become familiar. —William Muck, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026

Issues revealed in a November 2020 inspection at the Garden Grove facility led to a violation notice and GKN Aerospace paying nearly $1 million in a settlement. —Nina Giraldo, CNN Money, 24 May 2026

Of the 109 Metro Detroit individuals, 107 were detained for curfew violation, one for disorderly conduct and one for tobacco possession. —Nick Lentz, CBS News, 24 May 2026

But people familiar with the matter told Sportico that the WTA is reviewing Sabalenka’s use of the Gucci handbag at the Rome tournament as a potential violation of the tour’s marketing rules for player gear. —Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 24 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing violation

• in violation of
• moving violation

Rhymes for violation

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

Kids Definition

violation

noun

vi·​o·​la·​tion ˌvī-ə-ˈlā-shən 

: an act or an instance of violating : the state of being violated