violation

noun

vi·​o·​la·​tion ˌvī-ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce violation (audio)
: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The airspace violations highlight the increasing threats to NATO member states and the potential for wider regional instability. Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025 For example, any firm that has a disclosure with the SEC such as a regulatory violation or customer dispute is automatically disqualified from the ranking. Kelli Grant, Cfp®, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025 Here, while the reference to Democrats alone likely does not constitute a violation, the explicit blaming of the Democratic Party for the shutdown and 'reference to radical left' may constitute a violation. Shannon Bond, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025 Woolen made the Pro Bowl and finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2022 but has been temporarily benched in each of the last two seasons, for separate reasons (the latter due to a rule violation, according to Macdonald). Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for violation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of violation was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Violation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/violation. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

violation

noun
vi·​o·​la·​tion ˌvī-ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce violation (audio)
: an act or an instance of violating : the state of being violated

More from Merriam-Webster on violation

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