ENGLISH
REFERENCE

violated

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈvaɪəɫeɪtɪd// UK //vˈaɪəleɪtɪd// vi·o·lat·ed

v. to break a rule, a law, or a promise. It can also mean to treat someone or their private space without respect.

v. to break or fail to comply with a law, agreement, or principle; to treat a person or place with a lack of respect or sanctity. Transitive — requires a direct object.


SIMPLE

The company violated the safety rules and had to pay a fine.

CONTEXTUAL

The construction crew violated the noise ordinance by starting their heavy machinery before six in the morning.

COMPLEX

Legal experts argued that the new surveillance policy violated the fundamental right to privacy guaranteed by the constitution.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; it is frequently used in legal, formal, or human rights contexts.

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