Violate

To break or fail to comply with a rule, agreement, law, or code of conduct; to treat someone or something with disrespect or to desecrate; or to disturb the integrity or boundaries of something. It often implies a transgression, breach, or infringement of established standards or norms. This could be intentional or unintentional. The act often results in negative consequences, such as punishment, condemnation, or the loss of trust. The severity of violating a rule can vary depending on the context and the importance of the rule. Violating a personal boundary can have significant relational impacts, while violating a law can result in imprisonment.

Violate meaning with examples

• The company was found to Violate environmental regulations by dumping toxic waste into the river, causing widespread pollution and harm to aquatic life. This led to heavy fines and a public outcry. The violation damaged the company's reputation and resulted in significant legal challenges, demonstrating severe consequences.
• The government's surveillance program was criticized for violating citizens' privacy rights through unauthorized data collection and monitoring. The program sparked debates about the balance between security and individual liberties. Critics argued that the violation of privacy was a significant overreach of government authority.
• After repeated warnings, the student continued to Violate the school's code of conduct by plagiarizing assignments. This resulted in academic probation and jeopardized the student's chances of graduation. The repeated violations showed a blatant disregard for academic integrity and consequences.
• During the heated argument, she felt her personal space was violated by her friend's aggressive behavior, making her uncomfortable and leading to a tense conversation. The violation of her boundaries led to feelings of distrust and the need for the friend to respect those boundaries moving forward.