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 law firm's report released Thursday said Caldwell committed several violations of state policy. — Mike Catalini, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026

What’s clear is that this is just the latest constitutional violation by this president. — Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026

Additionally, eight eateries received citations for health food violations including brown and pink residue, several dead flies on the floor and grease build up was found on filters above the cook line. — Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026

The remaining prison time would serve as a potential penalty for any violations during a five-year period of probation. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 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