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violated
/ˈvaɪ.ə.leɪtɪd/
to break a law or rule
The company violated environmental regulations.
The company broke environmental laws.
Law
formal
to break or fail to comply with a law, rule, or agreement
The driver violated traffic laws by speeding.
The driver broke traffic laws by driving too fast.
The contract was violated when one party failed to deliver the goods.
The contract was broken when one party did not deliver the goods.
Often used in legal contexts to describe breaches of laws, contracts, or agreements.
informal
to treat someone unfairly or disrespectfully
She felt violated when her privacy was invaded.
She felt disrespected when her privacy was invaded.
In this sense, it implies a sense of emotional or personal transgression.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Legal vs. Informal Use
In legal contexts, 'violated' refers to breaking laws or agreements. In informal contexts, it can describe emotional harm or disrespect.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal Contexts
Use 'violated' carefully—it can carry strong legal or emotional weight depending on the context.
Word Origin
From Latin 'violatus', past participle of 'violare' meaning 'to violate, to treat with violence'.
Usage Notes
In legal contexts, 'violated' is often used to describe formal breaches of laws or agreements. In informal contexts, it can describe emotional or personal transgressions.
Word Breakdown
violate
to break or transgress
root-ed
past tense or past participle
suffixEnglish Dictionary