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

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.
In Raleigh, North Carolina, there have been 748 violations of the Stage One water restrictions as of June 29, Raleigh Water Assistant Director Edward Buchan told USA TODAY in an email. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 July 2026 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 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 Last year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited NASCO for a number of safety violations. Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 5 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Violation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/violation. Accessed 6 Jul. 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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