verb

violate

to violate, to break, to infringe

He violated the terms of the contract.

He violated the terms of the contract.

Do not violate their privacy.

Do not violate their privacy.

((sth.)) to break or act against (sth., especially a law, agreement, or principle) He violated the terms of the contract.

Synonyms: break, infringe, transgress; Antonyms: obey, respect, uphold

From Latin 'violare' (to treat with violence), related to 'vis' (force, strength).

Think of 'violate' as using 'violence' against a rule or a boundary.

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