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

His probation violation stemmed from a previous case where authorities claimed Bryant was found with fentanyl. — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026

The same day, Chi Phi’s Xi chapter was placed on temporary suspension for alleged violations of the student code of conduct, the lawsuit says. — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026

In addition, stay-away orders may be issue for severe or repeated violations. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026

In November 2025, regulators issued violations to contractors there for using equipment during a pipeline pressure test that is prohibited within 1,000 feet of a school, of which there are three in the immediate vicinity. — Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 3 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