violate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈvaɪəleɪt/
KK: /ˈvaɪəˌleɪt/
adjective
Definition
To break or fail to comply with a rule, law, or agreement.
Example
If you violate the terms of the contract, you may face legal consequences.
Conversation
I heard the new rules might violate some basic rights.
Really? That sounds concerning!
Yeah, it feels like they are not considering our opinions.
Exactly, we should definitely speak up about it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
breached
transgressed
infringed
Antonyms
complied
observed
respected
transitive verb
Definition
To break a law, rule, or promise, or to treat someone or something in a disrespectful way.
Example
He was arrested for trying to violate the terms of his probation.
Tense Forms
Past: violated
Past Participle: violated
Conversation
Did you hear about that new law they passed?
Yeah, it's crazy how some people still violate it anyway.
I can't believe anyone would choose to break the law like that.
Root Explanation
Violate → It is formed from "violare" (meaning to violate or break) and the suffix "-ate" (indicating to make or perform an action). The word "violate" means to break or infringe upon a law, rule, or agreement.
Memory Tip
Think of the action of 'breaking' ('violare') something important, which helps you remember that to violate means to break a rule or law.
Visually Confused Words
variolate
reviolate
inviolate
volvate
villate
isolate
avolate
vitriolate