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 court struck down the relocation rule as a First Amendment violation in 2000, stressing that moving a children’s book to the adult stacks can burden minors’ access. —Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

According to a news release, the receivership process includes a 60-day notice period for the property owner to address code violations. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 25 Nov. 2025

Students who committed the most serious sportsmanship violations will face consequences under the Glynn County Code of Conduct, in addition to any GHSA penalties. —Christopher Harris, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025

In 1978, he was convicted of mail fraud and payroll violations—salary kickback schemes that, while common in Congress at the time, became the focus of intense scrutiny. —Ron Stodghill, Miami Herald, 25 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing violation

• in violation of
• moving violation

Rhymes for violation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

violation

noun

vi·​o·​la·​tion ˌvī-ə-ˈlā-shən 

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