Words / B2

VEYE-uh-layt/ˈvaɪəleɪt/

To violate is to break a law, agreement, or right: violate an embargo; violate privacy. Break is everyday; breach is the legal twin. Do not violate the embargo by sharing grades. Mix-up: violent is the adjective for force (next entries). Do not use violate for a late homework without a rule or right.

Meaning

To break a law, agreement, or right; also to enter a place without respect.

Examples

• “Do not violate the exam-board embargo by sharing grades before midday.”
• “The drone flight violated the no-fly zone, which is the airspace sense.”

Good to know

violate a rule / right / agreement. Everyday: break. Legal: breach. Noun: violation. Exam regs and law. A broken rule, not mere lateness.

Near in meaning

breach

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