Meaning of Word
Violation refers to the act of breaking or disregarding a law, rule, agreement, or ethical standard.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Violation is the act of violating, or breaking, a rule, law, or regulation.
- A breach or infringement of a law, agreement, or moral code.
- The act of treating something or someone with disrespect, often in a legal or moral sense.
- A specific instance where a person, group, or entity fails to comply with established guidelines or principles.
History and Origin
The word violation comes from the Latin word violare, meaning “to treat with violence” or “to break.” The term evolved to refer to the act of breaking or disregarding laws, rules, or rights. It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe acts of disobedience or infringement.
Detailed Explanation
A violation typically involves the failure to adhere to a law, regulation, or established code of conduct. It can refer to a wide range of actions, from minor breaches such as traffic violations to more severe offenses such as violations of human rights or criminal law. Violations are often met with consequences such as fines, penalties, or legal action.
In many legal systems, a violation is viewed as a failure to respect the rules that govern society, often disrupting social order or causing harm to others. The severity of a violation can vary depending on its nature and the harm caused, ranging from minor infractions to serious criminal offenses. The term can also apply to violations of ethical or moral standards, not just legal ones.
Example Sentences
- The company was fined for the violation of environmental laws.
- His actions were a clear violation of the company’s code of conduct.
- The violation of traffic rules often leads to accidents.
- The human rights violation sparked protests around the world.
- She faced a violation of her privacy when personal information was shared without consent.
- The student was punished for the violation of the school’s dress code.
- A violation of intellectual property rights can lead to legal action.
- The violation of the peace agreement resulted in renewed conflict.
- He was arrested for the violation of state laws regarding drug possession.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Breach: The act of breaking or failing to observe a law, rule, or agreement.
- Infraction: A minor violation, often used in legal contexts for small offenses.
- Infringement: The act of violating or encroaching upon someone’s rights or laws.
- Contravention: A formal term for an act that goes against a law, rule, or agreement.
- Transgression: The act of overstepping a boundary, especially in a moral or legal sense.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Offense: A violation of a law or moral rule, often leading to punishment.
- Penalty: A consequence or punishment imposed as a result of a violation.
- Law: A system of rules that a society follows, and whose violation can lead to penalties.
- Regulation: A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority, violation of which may lead to penalties.
- Punishment: A penalty or consequence imposed for a violation of a law, rule, or code.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Civil violation: A violation of civil law, usually resulting in fines or penalties rather than imprisonment.
- Criminal violation: A violation of criminal law, typically leading to arrest and legal prosecution.
- Ethical violation: A breach of moral principles or codes of conduct, often leading to professional consequences.
- Legal violation: The act of breaking or failing to comply with a law, often leading to legal penalties.
- Regulatory violation: A violation of specific regulations set by authorities or organizations.
Antonyms
- Compliance: The act of adhering to laws, rules, or standards, the opposite of violation.
- Obedience: The act of following orders, rules, or laws, in contrast to violating them.
- Conformity: The act of complying with accepted norms, rules, or laws, opposite of violation.
- Respect: The act of treating rules, laws, or rights with care and consideration, unlike violation.
- Observance: The act of following or adhering to a law, rule, or tradition, contrary to violation.