vi·o·late
ˈvī-ə-ˌlāt 
violated; violating
2
: to do harm to the person or especially the chastity of
specifically
: rape sense 1
3
: to fail to show proper respect for : profane
violate a shrine
Examples of violate in a Sentence
Verb
He was arrested for violating his parole.
The company violated its customers' privacy.
She was attacked and violated by an unknown intruder.
Recent Examples on the Web
John Tuohy, IndyStar, 23 July 2025
Then, in November 2023, a mistrial was declared in a federal trial over whether Hankison violated the civil rights of Taylor, her boyfriend and neighbors after the jury could not come to a decision.
—Josh Wood, The Courier-Journal, 23 July 2025
An administrative review over whether the deputies violated department policies is also ongoing, Waters said.
—Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 23 July 2025
Hankison was convicted of violating Taylor’s civil rights.
—Josh Wood, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for violate
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Verb
Under the proposal, violating the permit restrictions would carry a $150 fine.
—John Tuohy, IndyStar, 23 July 2025
Then, in November 2023, a mistrial was declared in a federal trial over whether Hankison violated the civil rights of Taylor, her boyfriend and neighbors after the jury could not come to a decision.
—Josh Wood, The Courier-Journal, 23 July 2025
An administrative review over whether the deputies violated department policies is also ongoing, Waters said.
—Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 23 July 2025
Hankison was convicted of violating Taylor’s civil rights.
—Josh Wood, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for violate
Cite this Entry
“Violate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/violate. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
violate
transitive verb
vi·o·late
ˈvī-ə-ˌlāt
violated; violating
: to go against (as a prohibition or principle) : fail to observe or respect
violate a law
civil rights were violated
violate due process
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