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 couple was issued letters that recommend disciplinary action following a sustained policy violation, Brent Weisberg, a spokesman for the Department of Public Safety, confirmed Friday. — Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026

From build-up on machines and leaks under sinks, health inspectors in Missouri and Kansas found numerous violations at Kansas City-area restaurants last week. — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026

Dean William Treanor called the threat a constitutional violation. — Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026

OpenAI has pushed back against wrongful death and product liability lawsuits, alleging user misuse and violation of usage policies. — Laura Reiley, Vanity Fair, 9 Oct. 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