Vocabulary word Violate - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

Command and Constraint

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Law and Order

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Punishment and Enforcement

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TOEFL 4

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Dictionary Definition of violate

To break or act against a rule, a law, an agreement or a moral standard.
"The government's decision to censor the media would violate the freedom of the press."

Detailed Meaning of Violate

It implies the action of disregarding or going against something that is considered to be important, valid or accepted. In the context of laws or regulations, it refers to the act of breaking or disregarding them. In the context of a social contract, it refers to the act of going against mutual agreement or understanding. In the context of human rights, it refers to the act of disregarding or infringing upon an individual's rights. It can also refer to the act of invading or trespassing on someone's privacy or personal boundaries. In general, when something or someone is described as being violated, it implies the act of breaking or disregarding a rule, a law, a agreement or a moral standard, and it can be harmful or illegal.

Example Sentences for Violate

1. To lie under oath in court is to violate the sacred law of truthful testimony.
2. She knew that to cheat on the test would violate her own ethical principles.
3. They conspire to violate the treaty, knowing the consequence is catastrophic.
4. To steal another's idea and claim it as one's own is to violate trust deeply.
5. People who violate the code of conduct face strict disciplinary actions.
6. To deceive a friend is to violate the unwritten bond of trust between souls.

Origin and Etymology of Violate

The verb 'violate' has its etymological roots in Latin. It stems from the Latin word 'violare,' which means 'to treat with violence' or 'to break.' This Latin term is related to 'vis,' meaning 'force' or 'violence.' Therefore, when we use the term 'violate' to describe the act of breaking or acting against a rule, a law, an agreement, or a moral standard, we are drawing upon its historical association with forceful transgression or infringement. 'Violate' conveys the notion of forcefully and often willfully crossing boundaries or committing actions that go against established norms or regulations.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb violate:

obey

respect

breach

comply

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Violate

1. Those who knowingly violate the law must prepare for justice's swift hand.
2. Betraying a confidant's secrets is to violate the sanctity of friendship.
3. When leaders violate ethical norms, they undermine societal foundations.
4. To bear false witness is to violate a moral code, eroding communal trust.
5. Breaking a solemn vow does more than violate a pact; it wounds the soul.
6. It is against the law to violate someone's privacy without their consent.
7. The dictator's regime would consistently violate human rights without consequence.
8. The company's unethical practices blatantly violate labor laws.
9. It is important to teach children about consent and the importance of not violating personal boundaries.
10. The hacker's actions sought to violate the security of the computer system.
11. The protesters accused the police of using excessive force to violate their right to peaceful assembly.
12. The strict dress code policy seemed to violate students' freedom of expression.
13. The vandal's graffiti would violate public property and deface the neighborhood.
14. The corrupt politician would violate the public's trust with embezzlement and bribery.
15. The intrusive questions from the interviewer seemed to violate the candidate's privacy.
16. The landlord's refusal to make necessary repairs would violate the tenant's rights.
17. The company's decision to dump toxic waste into the river would violate environmental regulations.
18. The driver's reckless behavior on the road would violate traffic laws and endanger others.
19. The artist's controversial artwork aimed to challenge societal norms and provoke discussions but did not violate any laws.
20. The bully's constant harassment and threats would violate the victim's sense of safety.
21. The plagiarism in the student's essay would violate academic integrity and lead to disciplinary action.
22. The invasive searches at the airport seemed to violate passengers' personal space.
23. The hacking incident would violate the confidentiality of users' personal information.
24. The factory's emission of toxic fumes would violate air quality regulations.