violate

[ vahy-uh-leyt ]
/ ˈvaɪ əˌleɪt /

verb (used with object), vi·o·lat·ed, vi·o·lat·ing.

to break, infringe, or transgress (a law, rule, agreement, promise, instructions, etc.).
to break in upon or disturb rudely; interfere thoughtlessly with: to violate his privacy.
to break through or pass by force or without right: to violate a frontier.
to treat irreverently or disrespectfully; desecrate; profane: violate a human right.
to molest sexually, especially to rape.

Origin of violate

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin violātus, past participle of violāre to treat with violence, violate, apparently derivative of violentus violent (taking viol- as base); see -ate1

OTHER WORDS FROM violate

Example sentences from the Web for violated

  • At the west end of this bridge is the famous “Stone of the Violated Treaty,” mounted on a properly inscribed pedestal.

    In Unfamiliar England |Thomas Dowler Murphy
  • Violated Nature rebels, and avenges herself for all infractions of law.

    Style in Singing |W. E. Haslam

British Dictionary definitions for violated

violate
/ (ˈvaɪəˌleɪt) /

verb (tr)

to break, disregard, or infringe (a law, agreement, etc)
to rape or otherwise sexually assault
to disturb rudely or improperly; break in upon
to treat irreverently or disrespectfully; outrage he violated a sanctuary
obsolete to mistreat physically

adjective

archaic violated or dishonoured

Derived forms of violate

Word Origin for violate

C15: from Latin violāre to do violence to, from vīs strength