violation

noun

vi·​o·​la·​tion ˌvī-ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce violation (audio)
Synonyms of violationnext
: 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

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.
The real purpose of the campaign was to draw attention to the violation of Japanese Americans’ Constitutional rights. Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026 Sappenfield was permanently banned by the United States Center for SafeSport in May 2024 for physical and emotional misconduct, retaliation, abuse of process, and failure to report a potential SafeSport violation. Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 16 Feb. 2026 In another twist late Saturday night, the Canadian women's team was accused by match officials of the same double-touch violation, this time by veteran skip Rachel Homan in the first end against Switzerland. Steve Douglas, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026 At least nine Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes in the northern and southern Gaza Strip on Sunday, Palestinian civil defence and health officials said, in what Israel's military called a response to Hamas ceasefire violations. Reuters, NBC news, 15 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Violation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/violation. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

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

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