violation

noun

vi·​o·​la·​tion ˌvī-ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce violation (audio)
Synonyms of violation
: 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
c
: disturbance, interruption
d
: rape entry 1 sense 1, ravishment

Synonyms of violation

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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.
This is a state agency taking action against a license for violations already punished in a different state. — David J. Neal july 5, Miami Herald, 5 July 2026 Most of the violations have resulted in ticketed citations and seizures. — Kelly O'Donnell, NBC news, 5 July 2026 Djokovic became so frustrated that he was given a code violation warning for smashing a racket, before eventually hauling himself over the line. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 5 July 2026 Here are the inspection scores and violations for restaurants within the city limits of Plano for June 7th - June 13th, 2026. — Mary Ella Hastings july 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing violation

Rhymes for violation

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Browse Nearby Words

violater
violation
violational
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Cite this Entry

“Violation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/violation. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of violation for Spanish Speakers

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