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.
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; outragehe violated a sanctuary
- obsolete to mistreat physically
adjective
- archaic violated or dishonoured
early 15c., “to break” (an oath, etc.), from Latin violatus (see violation). Sense of “ravish” is first recorded mid-15c. Related: Violated; violating.