violation

noun

vi·​o·​la·​tion ˌvī-ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce violation (audio)
: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Despite states’ commitments to protect the rights of journalists to carry out their work freely and safely, the lack of action by states demonstrates an alarming and deeply dangerous failure by the international community to uphold the rule of law when violations occur. Scott Griffen, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025 The state’s own election monitor produced two dozen pages of irregularities after observing Fulton’s ballot-counting operation in November 2020, including double-scanning of ballots, insecure transport, and violations of voter privacy. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2025 Taylor was also fired for an outside employment policy violation, his personnel file said. Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Nov. 2025 Nearly 20 years later, the law may seem archaic, the Enquirer previously reported, and may be a violation of the First Amendment. Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for violation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of violation was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Violation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/violation. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

violation

noun
vi·​o·​la·​tion ˌvī-ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce violation (audio)
: an act or an instance of violating : the state of being violated

More from Merriam-Webster on violation

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