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

Jensen and Castle argue that sanctions and a special master to investigate the claims of discovery violations and the policies of the DA’s office are necessary for fairness and transparency. —Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2026

That’s when, in the wake of a new rental licensing program to lower density, Skinner was hit with a slew of violations. —Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026

That order was terminated three months later after a second violation. —Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 1 Mar. 2026

From forcing multiple air balls and shot-clock violations, Baylor had no answer for TCU’s defense. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Mar. 2026

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