fail to agree with; be in violation of; as of rules or patterns
"This sentence violates the rules of syntax"
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"
To break or disregard (a rule or convention).
"The student violated the school's dress code by wearing jeans to the formal event."
In plain English: To violate something means to break an important rule, law, or agreement that you are supposed to follow.
"The driver violated the speed limit by driving too fast on the highway."
Usage: Use violate to describe breaking laws, rules, agreements, or personal boundaries rather than physical objects like doors or windows. This verb implies an intentional act of disregarding established constraints instead of simply failing to follow them accidentally.
The word "violate" entered English in the Middle Ages from Latin, originally carrying the meaning of treating someone or something with physical or mental violence. Over time, this broad sense narrowed to its modern usage specifically referring to defilement or desecration.