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

According to the Office of the Inspector General, he was investigated for a string of civil rights violations, including improper searches and conduct unbecoming of an officer. — Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

Bell dropped to 31st on a safety violation penalty after front tire changer Blake Houston got dragged from the team’s pit stall while tightening the right-side tire. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

The Rocky Hill Police Department obtained an arrest warrant charging his with murder and violation of a standing criminal protective order, police said. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026

Syria's foreign ministry said several civilians were injured and called the strike a flagrant violation of the country's sovereignty. — Arkansas Online, 23 Aug. 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