violate

/ˌvaɪəˈleɪt/

/ˈvaɪəleɪt/

Other forms: violated; violating; violates

Violate is a verb that describes actions that show no respect for people, laws, property, and customs. Drivers violate the law when they fail to stop at red lights, and people violate your privacy when they eavesdrop on your personal conversations.

Violate comes from the Latin word violatus which means "to break," as in a promise or oath. As members of our society, we make unspoken promises — to follow all laws, to help people if we can, or at the very least, not hurt them. So when we violate — laws, property, people's abilities to live safe, peaceful lives — we break the promises that come with being lawful citizens.

Definitions of violate

1. verb

   fail to agree with; be in violation of; as of rules or patterns
   “This sentence violates the rules of syntax”

   synonyms: break, go against

   antonyms:

   conform to

   observe

   types:

   fly in the face of, fly in the teeth of

   go against
2. verb

   act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises
   “violate the basic laws or human civilization”

   synonyms: breach, break, go against, infract, offend, transgress

   types:

   sin, transgress, trespass

   commit a sin; violate a law of God or a moral law

   blunder, boob, drop the ball, goof, sin

   commit a faux pas or a fault or make a serious mistake

   conflict, contravene, infringe, run afoul

   go against, as of rules and laws

   trespass

   break the law

   intrude, trespass

   enter unlawfully on someone's property

   fall

   yield to temptation or sin

   break, break in

   enter someone's (virtual or real) property in an unauthorized manner, usually with the intent to steal or commit a violent act

   type of:

   disrespect

   show a lack of respect for
3. verb

   destroy
   “Don't violate my garden”

   “violate my privacy”

   type of:

   disturb, touch

   tamper with
4. verb

   destroy and strip of its possession
   synonyms: despoil, plunder, rape, spoil

   type of:

   destroy, ruin

   destroy completely; damage irreparably
5. verb

   force (someone) to have sex against their will
   types:

   gang-rape

   rape (someone) successively with several attackers

   type of:

   assail, assault, attack, set on

   attack someone physically or emotionally
6. verb

   violate the sacred character of a place or language
   “violate the sanctity of the church”

   synonyms: desecrate, outrage, profane

   type of:

   assail, assault, attack, set on

   attack someone physically or emotionally