violate meaning and definition

VIOLATE verb

Definition of violate (verb)

1. fail to agree with; be in violation of; as of rules or patterns
   • "This sentence violates the rules of syntax"
   • synonyms: break, go against
   • antonym: conform to
2. act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises
   • "offend all laws of humanity"; "violate the basic laws or human civilization"; "break a law"; "break a promise"
   • synonyms: breach, break, go against, infract, offend, transgress
   • antonym: keep
3. destroy
   • "Don't violate my garden"; "violate my privacy"
4. violate the sacred character of a place or language
   • "desecrate a cemetery"; "violate the sanctity of the church"; "profane the name of God"
   • synonyms: desecrate, outrage, profane
5. force (someone) to have sex against their will
   • "The woman was raped on her way home at night"
   • synonyms: assault, dishonor, dishonour, outrage, rape, ravish
6. destroy and strip of its possession
   • "The soldiers raped the beautiful country"
   • synonyms: despoil, plunder, rape, spoil