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

The city documented violations and a gravel lot on the premises as early as 2022, but does not seem to have issued any fines. — Zuri Primos july 27, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026

Its finding rested on Paramount’s anticipated 27% share of wide-release theatrical distribution and the concentration the merger would produce, which the court held sufficient to presume a likely violation. — Maureen Kerr, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Joyce, like a lot of ICE officials in sanctuary jurisdictions, had a limited budget to work with, and prioritized using the available jail space for detainees with serious criminal histories over those whose only violations were immigration-related. — Nick Miroff, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026

Drivers who overstay their allotted time will also face steeper penalties, with the cost of meter violations going from $20 to $25. — Sara-James Ranta, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 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