vi ‧ o ‧ la ‧ tion AC /ˌvaɪəˈleɪʃ ə n/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable and countable]
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ violence ≠ ↑ non-violence , ↑ violator , ↑ violation ; verb : ↑ violate ; adverb : ↑ violently ; adjective : ↑ violent ≠ ↑ non-violent ]
1 . an action that breaks a law, agreement, principle etc:
human rights violations
violation of
a violation of international law
in violation of something
Troops crossed the border in violation of the agreement.
2 . an action that causes harm or damage by treating someone or their possessions without respect
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + violation
▪ a serious violation
The committee said there had been serious violations of Senate rules.
▪ a gross violation (=a very serious violation)
They had committed gross violations of the law.
▪ a clear violation
This is a clear violation of privacy rights.
▪ a flagrant/blatant violation (=a very clear violation)
The act of shooting down a civilian aircraft was a flagrant violation of international law.
▪ human rights violations (=violations of every person's right to be treated fairly and without cruelty)
There have been protests about human rights violations at the prison.
▪ a traffic violation
Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations.
▪ a ceasefire violation
Each side accused the other of ceasefire violations.
▪ safety violations
One oil rig worker blew the whistle on safety violations by his drilling company.
■ verbs
▪ commit a violation
Several soliders were suspected of committing human rights violations.
▪ constitute a violation formal (=be a violation)
The actions may constitute a violation of the treaty.